FIVE STARS NAMED IN POPULAR COUNTRY MUSIC CATEGORY

FIRST CCMA AWARDS NOMINEES RELEASED

(July 28, 2005) - One of the most popular awards of the Canadian Country Music Awards is in the hands of Canada's fans. Today the five nominees in the only fan-voted category were released.

The KRAFT CHEEZ WHIZ Fans' Choice Award nominees for 2005 represent the superstars of Canadian country, and they are: Paul Brandt, George Canyon, Terri Clark, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Jason McCoy.

The fan-driven category is a long time highlight of the CCMA Awards, which will be held September 12 at Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary. Today's release of nominees is the result of a CCMA membership ballot process, which for the first time included CCMA "Fan Member" voting. Beginning Friday, July 29 Canada's country music fans can choose their favourite artist online at www.cmtcanada.com.

Voting will begin Friday, July 29 and continue to Sunday, September 11, 2005 11:59 PM EST, along with contesting through CMT and national country radio driving fan awareness. The contest will also send an "Ultimate Fan" winner to the CCMA Awards to present the award live on stage in Calgary.

The release of all 2005 CCMA Awards nominees will be made August 3 at simultaneous press conferences in Toronto and Calgary. The CCMA Awards held September 12 will be broadcast live on CBC with encore airings by CMT. This year's show will also be aired in Australia on CMC.

Tickets to the Canadian Country Music Awards are available through www.ticketmaster.ca and complete information on all 2005 Calgary Country Music Week events from September 9 to 12 can be found at www.ccma.org.

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For information on this release please contact:

Aimée Hill, Publicist
2005 CCMA Awards & Country Music Week
780-497-4548
hilla@macewan.ca