Alan Jackson earns seven nominations

Alan Jackson pulled in seven nominations, the most of the year, from the Country Music Association, including entertainer of the year and male vocalist.

Jackson's nominations also include single of the year and song of the year for Remember When, video of the year for Remember When and for his duet with Jimmy Buffett, It's Five O'clock Somewhere, and musical event of the year for collaborating on a remake of the Hank Williams' tune Hey, Good Lookin'.

Newcomer Gretchen Wilson garnered five high-profile nominations, including one for best album for her tribute to redneck pride, Here for the Party.

Wilson's first single, the No 1 hit Redneck Woman, was nominated for three awards, single, song and music video of the year. She also was nominated for the Horizon award, which honours the top new act.

The other best album nominees were Brad Paisley for Mud on the Tires, Brooks & Dunn for Red Dirt Road, Toby Keith for Shock'N Y'all and Kenny Chesney for When the Sun Goes Down.