BEIJING, Aug. 31 -- The Country Music Association awards are a three-way showdown between Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney, while the Dixie Chicks were snubbed again with not a single nomination on Wednesday.

The country-pop trio have been boycotted by many radio stations since lead singer Natalie Maines said during a London concert in March 2003 that the band was "ashamed" to come from the same state -- Texas -- as President George W. Bush.

Even though "Taking the Long Way Round," their first studio album since the controversy, quickly went platinum, the Dixie Chicks were ignored when the CMA announced the shortlists for its awards, to be held in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 6.

Paisley led the field with six nominations, including best album, male vocalist and entertainer of the year, a tally matched by veteran duo Brooks & Dunn, whose nominations included best album, vocal duo and entertainer.

Chesney and Urban, last year's entertainer of the year, were close behind with four nominations each. Both were among the five contenders for entertainer of the year, considered the top award, along with the band Rascal Flatts, whose tally of three nominations was matched by Dolly Parton.

Newcomer Carrie Underwood, who shot to fame after winning the television talent show "American Idol" in 2005, scored four nominations, including female vocalist of the year.

One name that seemed out of place was the rock band Bon Jovi, nominated for "Musical Event of the Year" for the duet with Jennifer Nettles "Who Says You Can't Go Home."

Peter Cooper, senior music writer at The Tennessean, said there were not many surprises, though a nod for Alan Jackson's "Precious Memories" for album of the year, for what he called a "stripped down gospel" record, was a little unexpected.

Cooper said Paisley had six nods last year but won no awards and that he was surprised Toby Keith received no nominations.

(Source: Chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)