Jessica Simpson Darker Blonde Hair At CMA Announcement

Nominations for the 44TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, a star-studded event produced for television by Dick Clark productions, were announced today at a press conference held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.

(Image of Singer Jessica Simpson presenting nominations for 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 on the CBS Television Network.  Kay Williams©2009 The Academy of Country Music Awards. All Rights Reserved).

Juliana Hough, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes and Jessica Simpson

Country superstars Juliana Hough, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes and Jessica Simpson read the nominations live during CBS's "The Early Show" broadcast.  The winners will be broadcast live from Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, April 5th (8:00 - 11:00 PM live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

While all four of the Country Superstars looked gorgeous, Jessica Simpson was most noteworthy because her normally light blonde hair was a darker, richer, blonde.

Wearing a gorgeous black dress and jacket with beautiful accessories, Jessica's hair was coiffed in a soft finished twist.

(L-R  Singers Jessica Simpson, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes and Julianne Hough presented the nominations for the 44TH Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards - Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville on Wednesday, Feb. 11 - CBS Television Network. Kay Williams©2009 The Academy of Country Music Awards. All rights reserved).

2009 CMA Nominations

Brad Paisley let with six nominations including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist. Heidi Newfield is nominated for five awards, including Top Female Vocalist.  Kenny Chesney is nominated for four awards. Jamey Johnson received four nominations.  George Strait received four nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist and Song of the Year for "I Saw God Today."

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is nominated for three awards, including Entertainer of Year. Keith Urban received three nominations. Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, James Otto, Jake Owen, Taylor Swift and Sugarland are each nominated for two awards.

Three Newcomer Categories

For the first time ever, the three newcomer categories for the Annual Academy of Country Music Awards -Top New Female Vocalist, Top New Male Vocalist and Top New Vocal Duo or Group - will be opened up to interactive fan voting on GACTV.com, beginning Friday, Feb. 13.  The winners will then move on to compete in a new category, Top New Artist, and for the second year fans will also select the winner of the Academy's most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year.

Reba McEntire

As previously announced, Reba McEntire will return for an unprecedented 11th time to host this year's show.