Swift, Lady A and Jason Aldean honored again

[October 06, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- CMT's second annual Artists of the Year event will look a bit familiar: Three of last year's honorees will be feted once again.

Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean will be celebrated for a second time, along with new honorees Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney. CMT picks the five top artists in country music based on sales of albums and single downloads, country radio airplay, concert grosses and popularity on CMT.

The 90-minute taped special, which features performances during a dinner setting, will air Dec. 13 on CMT. "Top Chef" winner Stephanie Izard will prepare the food for the event, which tapes Nov. 29 in Nashville, Tenn.

Izard said she plans to talk to the honorees to get a feel for what they like to eat, and that will guide her food preparations.

"I think bringing their favorites ... something that's going to make them happy, that's what it's going to be all about," Izard said in an interview Tuesday.

Izard said music is a big inspiration for her in the kitchen, so she's excited about catering the event.

"I'm hoping that we can just celebrate food and celebrate music, and things that inspire people," she said.

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Online:

http://www.cmt.com/

[Associated Press; By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY]

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