Tag Archives: Jason Aldean

The 2011 CMA Awards

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Carrie and Brad have some fun with Miss Piggy.

The 2011 CMA Awards aired Wednesday night LIVE on ABC from the Country Music capital of the world. The CMA Awards are a long-lasting tradition to honor and celebrate the men and women who enhance the lives of millions of global fans. These artists yield the songs that become the soundtracks to our lives and the anthems we pass along, swearing our musical taste is superior to those of subsequent generations. With catching harmonies, heart pounding bass lines, electrifying drum solos, and synergistic musical accompaniments, upholding the value and virtue of Country Music is always the common goal.

“The 45th Annual CMA Awards” was a showcase of musical talent and countless industry feats. From the exhilarating pyrotechnics of Miranda Lambert’s “Baggage Claim” to the breathtaking acrobatics of Sara Evans’ “A Little Bit Stronger,” the performances further demonstrated the power of Country Music and the propensity of its stars go above and beyond in support of the genre…and each other.

Little Big Town pose with music icon Lionel Richie on the Macy's Walk of Stars Red Carpet.

Sure there were actual families among the night’s lineup including sibling trio The Band Perry (who earned Single of the Year for “If I Die Young” and New Artist of the Year, plus Song of the Year for writer Kimberly Perry), and a slew of industry marriages like Tim McGraw and performer Faith Hill, reigning Male/Female Vocalist victors Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, and the couples of Thompson Square, Steel Magnolia, and Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town. But performances like Jimmy Webb, Vince Gill, Keith Urban, and Brad Paisley’s touching tribute to Country Music icon Glen Campbell, who silently mouthed the words from the crowd, left fans and artists alike with a true understanding of the indelible camaraderie permeating the Country community. Backstage, that sense of southern hospitality even superseded genre distinctions as Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum raved about rocker Grace Potter and her undeniable talent as she performed “You and Tequila” with four-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney. Chesney himself echoed this reverence and explained, “’You and Tequila’ is such a tortured soul song about being addicted to a person who is not very good for you…The chemistry [between him and Potter] was evident from the moment we walked into the studio.”

Jason Aldean accepts Album of the Year honors for MY KINDA PARTY.

It’s this sense of amity that allows four-time hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood to poke fun at fellow industry members, even inciting Hank Williams Jr. to join them on stage after Paisley lampooned  controversies surrounding the Country legend. Barbie Doll effigies of Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, a surprise guest appearance Little Jimmy Dickens as a less-than-accurate depiction of sensation Justin Bieber, and some recent social commentary by comedic actor Eric Stonestreet further illustrate Carrie’s claim that Brad is “the single biggest and most shameless wiseacre on either side of the Mason-Dixon line.” With Awards doled out, entertainment appetites satiated, and an impossibly stronger appreciation for Country Music, we congratulate and thank the nominees, performers, presenters, volunteers, technicians, media members, fans, and viewers for supporting Country Music’s Biggest Night!

Did you know…

The 45th CMA Awards were the first time that…

  • Jason Aldean claimed a CMA Awards? In fact he earned two: Album of the Year (My Kinda Party) and Musical Event of the Year (“Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson)
  • The Band Perry received 3 Awards for New Artist, Single, and Song of the Year
  • Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter win Music Video of the Year for “You and Tequila”
  • Faith Hill has performed on the CMA Awards stage in 5 years
  • Miss Piggy attended as a presenter

The 45th CMA Awards were the second time that…

  • Taylor Swift won Entertainer of the Year (she joins Barbara Mandrell as the only female artists in CMA history to be names EOTY twice)
  • Miranda Lambert won Female Vocalist of the Year
  • Blake Shelton won Male Vocalist of the Year
  • Lionel Richie performed (first time was with Alabama in 1986)

The 45th CMA Awards were the third time that…

  • Lady Antebellum has scored consecutive wins for Vocal Group of the Year

The 45th CMA Awards were the fourth time that…

  • Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood were hosts
  • Mac McAnally has taken home consecutive wins for Musician of the Year

The 45th CMA Awards were the fifth time that…

  • Sugarland has won Vocal Duo of the year

The 45th CMA Awards were the forty-fifth time that…

  • CMA has hosted Country Music’s Biggest Night as the pinnacle of achievement in the Country Music industry

CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: CHRIS YOUNG

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Chris Young hits the Black Carpet at the 2010 CMA Awards in Nashville.

Like a handful of the other 2011 CMA Awards nominees (Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Steel Magnolia, Kelly Clarkson) Chris Young made his start on television. In 2006, he won the fourth season of the popular Country competition series, Nashville Star (USA), earning Young a deal with RCA Records in Nashville. While it’s easy to group him with so many budding artists who have broken out from reality TV, the past five years have set Chris Young apart as one of Country’s shining new talents. Young joins The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Thompson Square as a New Artist of the Year nominee – his second consecutive nomination in the category.

More about Chris Young

Growing up in Murfreesboro, Tenn. just 35 miles from the Country Music capital of the world, it seemed destined for Chris Young to wind up in Music City.  So it came as no surprise to friends and family when Young was declared the winner of Nashville Star in May 2006 and released his self-titled debut album shortly after. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and produced the Top-50 singles, “Drinkin’ Me Lonely” and “You’re Gonna Love Me.”

Chris Young’s sophomore album, The Man I Want to Be, was the start of many “firsts” for the Country newcomer.  It became Young’s first Gold-certified release and generated his first No. 1 single with “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” which also earned Young his first GRAMMY nomination in 2010.  The album also produced the hit singles “The Man I Want to Be” and “Voices” which both claimed the top spot on the Country Songs chart.

On July 12, 2011 Young released his third studio album on RCA Nashville, titled Neon. It sold over 70,000 units in its first week, peaking at No. 2 on the Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Top 200 all-genre chart. The album showcased Young’s clear talent as a songwriter, co-writing seven of the 10 tracks, including the No. 1 hit “Tomorrow” and the current single, “You.” Young has opened for Country superstars like Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton, as well as opening dates for fellow CMA Awards nominee, Jason Aldean, in October.

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CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: LUKE BRYAN

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Luke Bryan on the Red Carpet at the 2009 CMA Awards.

Luke Bryan returns to the “45th Annual CMA Awards” in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 9 as a nominee for New Artist of the Year. Bryan, along with fellow nominee Chris Young, was previously nominated for the Award in 2010. No different from previous years, 2011 brings fierce competition in this category of rising stars, which also includes The Band Perry, Eric Church and Thompson Square.  While it might be easy to assume some friendly rivalries among the Country artists, Bryan was humbled by the nod and the opportunity to sit alongside his fellow nominees:

“These moments are life changing and I am very thankful to have this opportunity to represent the future of our format along with the other four nominees who I not only consider my peers, but my friends as well.”

More about Luke Bryan

Like so many young hopefuls before him, Luke Bryan moved to Nashville in 2001 with the dream of becoming a Country star. While it would be years before Bryan landed a record deal, he became a successful songwriter in his early career in Music City, writing cuts for artists like Travis Tritt and Billy Currington. In 2007 Bryan’s break finally came when he was signed with Capitol Nashville. His debut album, I’ll Stay Me, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and produced the single, “All My Friends Say,” which became Bryan’s first Top 5 hit.

Bryan’s sophomore release, Doin’ My Thing, hit stores on Oct. 9, 2009 and quickly turned Bryan into a chart topping success. While the album itself peaked at No. 2, Bryan’s hit singles “Rain Is a Good Thing” and “Someone Else Calling You Baby” claimed the top spot on the Country Songs chart, solidifying Bryan as one of Nashville’s most promising artists.

Now almost a decade after he made his way from small town Georgia to the Country Music capital known as Nashville, Luke Bryan’s star shines brighter than ever.  His newest album, Tailgates & Tanlines (August 2011), debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, selling over 145,000 units in its first week.  The albums lead-off single, “Country Girl (Shake It for Me),” became Bryan’s best-selling single to date, with over 1 million digital downloads sold.  In September, Luke Bryan embarked on his “2011 Farm Tour” traveling the country to play beaches, farms, fields and fairgrounds. On Feb. 24, 2012 Bryan will open Jason Aldean’s highly anticipated show at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

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CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: KEITH URBAN

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Keith Urban performs "Put You In A Song" at the 44th Annual CMA Awards in 2010.

New Zealand-born Australian Keith Urban is no stranger to receiving prestigious honors from some of the most prominent music institutions, but that didn’t lessen his excitement upon hearing “The 45th Annual CMA Awards” nominations last week. With five well-deserved CMA Award wins already under his belt — including the Country Music industry’s top prize, CMA Entertainer of the Year, in 2005 – Urban received two nods in 2011: Male Vocalist of the Year and, once more, Entertainer of the Year. The ever grateful musician tweeted:

“@KeithUrban: Crazy cool CMA noms this morning!!!! It blows my mind how sweet they are when we get them. I’m euphoric and moved!!! Thank you. Thank you.”

He shares the honors with fellow industry titans Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift.

More about Keith Urban

Urban has continually developed his unique brand of Country-rock since he began guitar lessons at just six years old. Before moving to Nashville in 1992, Urban helped to revolutionize Country Music in Australia, scoring several number one hits which revealed his novel blend of Country and rock-and-roll inspired sounds. Urban’s early aspirations to emulate Country idols like Glen Campbell, Dolly Parton, Don Williams, and Jimmy Webb paired with an intense admiration for British rocker Mark Knopfler of the Dire Straits helps shed some light on what makes him stand out from so many other talented musicians. Underpinning Urban’s Country twang lays an inextricable passion for rock-and-roll. Urban’s ability to successfully fuse these two musical genres has led to numerous accolades including Grammys, CMA Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and Australia’s prestigious Aria Award to name a few. To date, Urban has amassed nearly a dozen No. 1 singles in the US.

Urban’s climb to the top has not come without its trials and tribulations. However, Urban has not allowed a highly publicized private life interfere with his creative ambition and passion for music. Not even the destruction of his prized personal guitar collection in the May 2010 middle Tennessee flood could deter him from recording his sixth studio album Get Closer. Released in November 2010, Get Closer has since yielded three hit singles “Put You in a Song,” “Without You,” and “Long Hot Summer.” The album debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chat. Get Closer is a testament to Urban’s own life as he continues to openly explore his own experiences with love and relationships. Urban challenged himself and boldly confronted his strengths and weaknesses in this album.

“I loved making this record. I felt a tremendous sense of balance in my life, as a husband and a father and a musician who gets to go and try to capture all that and harness it and create something.”

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CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: KELLY CLARKSON

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Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson perform "Don't You Wanna Stay" at the 2010 CMA Awards.

Kelly Clarkson returns to the “45th Annual CMA Awards” on Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8|7c on ABC) as a nominee for Single and Musical Event of the Year for her duet with Entertainer of the Year nominee, Jason Aldean.  The pair debuted their single, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” at last year’s CMA Awards, paving the way for a chart topping hit. The song went on to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and has sold nearly 2 million digital downloads since its release, making it the best-selling country collaboration in digital history.

More about Kelly Clarkson

It’s been almost a decade since Kelly Clarkson was crowned the inaugural American Idol winner on FOX-TV’s now-smash talent competition series.  Although the program has aired for an astounding 10 seasons and produced a number of superstars (including fellow CMA Awards nominee and co-host, Carrie Underwood) Clarkson remains the most successful Idol contestant in the show’s duration, having sold over 23 million albums and 36 million singles worldwide.

Since 2003, Kelly Clarkson has released four multi-Platinum studio albums and a number of popular singles, including the power pop hits “Breakaway,” “Since U Been Gone,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes” and “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Although 2011 earns Clarkson her first CMA Awards nominations, she is no stranger to Country collaborations.  She joined Country Music star, Reba McEntire, for a cover of Clarkson’s “Because of You” on McEntire’s 2007 Reba: Duets album.

Clarkson will release her fifth studio album, Stronger, this fall on RCA Records.  Clarkson co-wrote five of the album’s 13 tracks and collaborated with songwriters such as Ester Dean (Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera) and Bonnie McKee (Britney Spears, Miranda Cosgrove.) The album’s lead-off single, “Mr. Know It All,” debuted at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and continues to climb the charts. Stronger hits stores on Oct. 24.

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CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: THOMPSON SQUARE

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Making their CMA Awards debut on Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8|7c on ABC), Thompson Square receive their first CMA Award nominations for New Artist and Vocal Duo of the Year.  With the success of their debut self-titled album, which hit stores on Feb. 8, 2011 and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, it’s no wonder Thompson Square has been winning over fans and critics all over the country.

More about Thompson Square

Husband and wife duo, Keifer and Shawna Thompson, first met in Nashville while each trying to make it big as solo artists in the competitive pool of Music City hopefuls.  It wasn’t long until the pair decided to join forces and eventually form the duo, Thompson Square, in 2009.  In January 2010 they were signed to Stoney Creek Records, a sister label of Broken Bow Records (Jason Aldean.)

Thompson Square released their first single, “Let’s Fight,” on May 3, 2010 and achieved moderate success on the Hot Country Songs chart, peaking at No. 58.  It wasn’t until their second single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” hit the airwaves that Thompson Square started getting the well-deserved attention of Country and pop listeners.  The Platinum-certified single earned them their first No. 1 on the Billboard Country Songs chart and reached No. 32 on the Hot 100 Singles chart.

Thompson Square’s third single, “I Got You,” was released almost a year later in May 2011.  The song continues to climb the Country Songs chart, already reaching No. 14 in September 2011.  Thompson Square joins fellow CMA Award nominee, Jason Aldean, for his 2011 “My Kinda Party” tour this fall, opening dates in September and October.  The duo will also open for Darius Rucker’s US tour in November.

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CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: RASCAL FLATTS

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The group performs "Why Wait," the lead single from current album NOTHING LIKE THIS, at the 2010 CMA Awards.

For Country trio Rascal Flatts, “The 45th Annual CMA Awards” (Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 8|7c on ABC) nomination for Vocal Group of the Year marks the 10th consecutive year that they have received the honor and makes them eligible for their 7th potential win in the category. Rascal Flatts held the position for six years straight from 2003-2008. The band’s newest album, the Platinum-selling Nothing Like This, and their popular massive summer tour are just part of what have made the past year a huge success for Gary, Jay and Joe Don.

More About Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts accept Vocal Group of the Year in 2006.

This prolific trio has a penchant for turning out back-to-back No.1 singles and multi-Platinum albums. Of seven studio albums, the last six debuted at No.1, making them one of only four Country bands to achieve such a feat. With over 40 music industry awards to their credit — including 7 CMA Awards, this group’s history reads like one unbelievable success story.

Members Gary LeVox (lead vocals), Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar, vocals), and Jay DeMarcus (bass guitar, keyboard, piano, vocals) joined forces in 1999 and released their self-titled debut the next year — which sold more than 2 Million copies. Between their freshman album and their triple-Platinum sophomore release Melt (2002), Flatts scored eight top ten hits, including No.1 singles “These Days” and “Mayberry.” Every one of their next five albums debuted at No.1 with Platinum or higher certifications from the RIAA. In fact, both Feels Like Today (2004) and Me and My Gang (2006) attained certified Platinum status five times over, signaling sales of more than 5 million units for each title. With an aptitude for dominating multi-genre charts and producing numerous top ten crossover singles, Flatts has set a high standard for those hoping to enter the ranks of the musical elite. More importantly though, the trio has had a major influence in making Country Music a universal household genre, thus paving the way for other artists to reach new audiences.

20 million album sales and 25 million digital downloads into their career, the group is still surpassing industry milestones and looking for new ways to enthrall lifelong fans. In 2011, Rascal Flatts collaborated with pop sensation Justin Bieber on the single “That Should Be Me” whose video won them a 2011 CMT Music Award. “The Flatts Fest Tour” in summer 2011 earned them a nomination for Billboard’s fan-voted “Best Tour of the Year” Award. Having toured in the past with industry heavyweights like Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, Darius Rucker, Chris Young, Luke Bryan and Sara Evans, to name a few,  Rascal Flatts’ concert ticket sales have surpassed the 6 million mark to date career to date. And Flatts enthusiasts still have a lot to look forward to for this group’s future. Lead vocalist LeVox speaks for the group when he says, “The goal is to continue to make amazing music together for at least the next ten years, because we honestly feel like we’re just getting started.”

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Aldean, Paisley, Shelton, Swift & Urban to Rock the CMA Awards Stage!

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(from CMA Corporate Communications Dept.)

The Five Nominees for CMA Entertainer of the Year Are the First Artists Announced as Performers on “Country Music’s Biggest Night”

NASHVILLE – The star-packed lineup for “The 45th Annual CMA Awards” launches with today’s announcement that all five nominees for Entertainer of the Year, Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban, are the first group of performers confirmed for “Country Music’s Biggest Night(TM).” With five nominations each this year, Aldean, Paisley, Shelton, and Swift are also the top CMA-nominated artists.

“The 45th Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Paisley and Carrie Underwood, airs live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Aldean received first-time nominations in five categories in 2011 including Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Album for My Kinda Party; and Single and Musical Event of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson.

CMA’s reigning Entertainer of the Year, Paisley received five nominations in 2011 for Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Album for This is Country Music; and Musical Event and Music Video of the Year for “Old Alabama,” featuring Alabama. Paisley remains in the No. 3 spot for the most career nominations in CMA Awards history. He has been nominated every year since 2000 and has amassed an incredible 57 career nominations to date. Only George Strait (81) and Alan Jackson (80) have more. Paisley has won 14 CMA Awards to date, including three consecutive Male Vocalist awards (2007-2009) and Album of the Year (in 2006 for Time Well Wasted). He is No. 5 for the most career wins in CMA Awards history, behind only George Strait (22), Brooks & Dunn (19), Vince Gill (18), and Alan Jackson (16).

CMA’s current Male Vocalist of the Year, Shelton also received five nominations this year including Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Album for All About Tonight; and Single, and Music Video of the Year for “Honey Bee.” These are Shelton’s first nominations in the Entertainer and Album categories. Shelton has won two CMA Awards thus far in his career. In addition to Male Vocalist, he also won Musical Event of the Year in 2010 for his performance of “Hillbilly Bone” with Trace Adkins.

Swift also received five nominations including Entertainer; Female Vocalist; Album for Speak Now; Music Video for “Mean”; and Song of the Year for writing “Mean.” Swift received five nominations, but can receive an additional trophy as co-producer of her album. Swift won the Horizon Award in 2007 and two years later was named Entertainer of the Year (2009).

Urban received two nominations this year including Entertainer and Male Vocalist. He won Entertainer in 2005 and was named Male Vocalist for three consecutive years (2004-2006). Urban is currently touring North America in support of his album, Get Closer.

Tickets for “The 45th Annual CMA Awards” go on sale to the public this Saturday, Sept. 24 (10:00 AM/CT). Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or Ticketmaster outlets; by calling (800) 745-3000; or at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office, located at 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, Nashville). Ticket prices for the CMA Awards start at $110 for Upper Level seating. Ticket prices include tax, but exclude applicable service fees. Purchase tickets early for the best available seats. In 2009 and 2010, the CMA Awards sold out in advance.

CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: TAYLOR SWIFT

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In 2007, Taylor called winning the Horizon Award the "highlight of my senior year!"

Accolades and industry honors are nothing new to international superstar Taylor Swift. Since releasing her debut single, “Tim McGraw” in 2006, Swift has set the world on fire with songs that relate to people of all ages, plus charm and stage presence to rival musicians with decades more experience. It’s no surprise that the 2009 CMA Entertainer of the Year finds herself among the top nominees for “The 45th Annual CMA Awards” airing Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8|7c on ABC). With five nominations (Entertainer; Female Vocalist; Album for Speak Now; and Music Video and Song of the Year for “Mean,” which Swift wrote), Swift ties Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton for most nods in 2011.

More about Taylor Swift

The saying goes that the “sky is the limit.” But that not be lofty enough to describe Taylor Swift’s meteoric rise. With more than 13 Million albums and 25 Million song downloads sold worldwide, plus dozens of awards under her belt, Swift is a savvy star who has connected with audiences the world over by wearing her lyrical heart on her sleeve, holding nothing back in her songs or performances, and remaining accessible to her legions of fans. Her most recent album, Speak Now, debuted in Oct. 2010, and sold more than 1 Million copies its first week. The album marks Swift’s most personal yet, with the songstress penning all 14 tracks herself.

Instead of visiting with media on the Red Carpet in 2009, Taylor spent a couple hours greeting fans before winning Entertainer of the Year later that night.

In a few short years, Swift has earned eight No. 1 singles, including crossover hits “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me,” the latter of which earned Swift an MTV Video Music Award. Both songs appear on Swift’s 2008 CD Fearless, which in addition to winning the 2009 CMA Album of the Year also earned Swift GRAMMY Awards for Best Country Album and the all-genre Album of the Year. Swift’s most recent chart-topper, “Mean,” finds the singer taking on critics and delivering a message of empowerment to listeners along the way. Climbing the Country singles charts at present is the fourth single from Speak Now, “Sparks Fly” – a title that perfectly illustrates Swift’s wide-reaching appeal.

Swift is currently rounding the globe as part of her “2011 Speak Now World Tour.”  Selling out shows in Asia, Australia and North America, the tour ranks tenth in Pollstar’s “Top 50 Worldwide Tour (Mid-Year)” list, having brought in more than $40 Million to date.

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CMA Awards Artist Spotlight: JASON ALDEAN

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Tuesday, Sept. 6, marks but one day in a year of career highs for Broken Bow recording artist Jason Aldean. It’s the day when the superstar heard his name read in five categories for “The 45th Annual CMA Awards.”

Jason invited Kelly Clarkson to the CMA Awards stage in 2010 to debut their crossover hit "Don't You Wanna Stay."

With five nods in 2011, Aldean shares honors as top nominee with three fellow artists, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift. Aldean is nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for his smash My Kinda Party, Single and Musical Event of the Year for his Kelly Clarkson-duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” and the Country Music industry’s top prize – CMA’s Entertainer of the Year. Each nomination represents Aldean’s first appearance in each respective category. Aldean  has been previously nominated for the Horizon Award in 2007 and in 2008 when the category changed names to New Artist of the Year. In addition to Aldean’s nominations, his No. 1 hit “Dirt Road Anthem” earned a Song of the Year nomination for songwriters Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford.

More about Jason Aldean

On August 30th at the Nashville BMI headquarters, friends, colleagues, and industry members surrounded Jason Aldean to celebrate his most recent of seven number one hits, “Dirt Road Anthem.” It has been a landmark year for Jason Aldean whose fourth album My Kinda Party is the undisputed top-selling Country album for the first eight months of 2011.

The native Georgian has demonstrated a lifelong passion for music, playing his first gig at the young age of 14. Years later, in 1998, he signed a songwriting contract with Warner-Chapell Publishing and moved to Nashville. In his early years, Aldean struggled with several failed recording contracts and seriously considered leaving his Nashville music career behind. Then, producer Michael Knox implored him to sign with an independent label, Broken Bow Records. Together the pair has produced a unique blend of sounds and genres that has taken the music industry by storm. Recent collaborations with Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert, and rapper Ludacris on “Dirt Road Anthem” as well as his harmonic duet with Kelly Clarkson in “Don’t You Wanna Stay” illustrate the vast musical talent that has shuttled Aldean into success.

Fans of ACC football will hear Aldean this season as his No. 1 single “My Kinda Party” has been selected to precede all ACC football telecasts this season – on 71 TV affiliates across 27 states – a distinction that sees Aldean joining the ranks of former featured musicians Chris Brown and Brooks & Dunn.

Jason made an impressive CMA Awards debut with "Johnny Cash" in 2007.

Aldean’s ability to integrate a variety of musical sounds into the Country genre has proven his naysayers wrong and promises to thrill fans in his future endeavors. Selling over 5 million albums to date and selling out many of his 2011 tour dates months in advance, Aldean has certainly come a long way, and he recognizes and appreciates his career growth.  On July 26, Aldean reached out to his fans on Twitter to thank them for their continued support…so far, hinting at a long and exciting future career:

“@JasonAldean: 6 years ago today, my first album was released. Thank you guys for an amazing ride so far.”

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