Shania shines

Canadian country stars honored

Shania Twain may not have been given the recognition she deserved when the Country Music Associations' nominations were announced Tuesday, but yesterday the Canadian Country Music Association showered Twain with eight nominations.

The Timmins, Ont.-native, who has sold more albums than any other female country star including Patsy Cline, was the most honored Canadian at a press conference in the Palliser Hotel downtown.

Jason McCoy was a surprise second-place nominee, with six nods -- Fan's Choice, Male Vocalist, Album, Song, Single and Video.

Our Albertan stars faired well with a trio of nominations each.

Terri Clark and Paul Brandt will compete against one another in the Fan's Choice Award.

Clark, who will host the Sept. 14 Award Show at the Jubilee Auditorium, is also nominated for Female Vocalist and Collaboration of the year for Love of My Life with Sammy Kershaw. Her CBC TV special Coming Home -- Terri Clark is also nominated for best Country Music Program or Special of the Year.

Calgary's Brandt is also up for Male Vocalist and Album (Outside the Frame).

"This music is connecting with more and more people. This is music that touches the heart, head and feet," says Rick Meaney, general manager at CKRY and co-chairman of Country Music Week here in Calgary.

The CCMAs don't just recognize the big stars in Canada, there are also categories for the independent artist.

Rick Tippe, who attended the press conference, is nominated for a Rising Star Award, as well as three independent awards for Male Vocalist, Single and Song.

"People don't realize how big of a deal this is for us," beamed Tippe.

Though the lineup for the award show isn't confirmed, organizers are hoping Twain can make it.

Meaney says Deana Carter is scheduled to present an award.

Most of the tickets for the award show have been taken by the visiting delegates, but the few that are left will go on sale Monday at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.