Country music awards go Big Apple

The Country Music Association Awards are set to move out of Nashville, Tennessee, for the first time in 39 years in 2005 when the prize-giving is transferred to New York city.

The CMAs will take over Manhattan's Madison Square Garden on November 15 next year.

In a press announcement staged this morning in New York, Brooks & Dunn star Kix Brooks said: "We are taking country music to the street.

"Our goal is to be present in every corner, every club, everywhere you turn.

"New York city moves on the muscle and heart of its people and the themes and issues that dominate this format - the struggles people face and overcome everyday - are the backbone of what we are and what we do. New York city is not lacking country spirit."

Fellow country star Trace Adkins, who also played a part in this morning's announcement, added: "As an artist, as well as a CMA Board member, I think the CMA Awards show is already one of the best avenues we have to expose our music to such a broad audience.

"So, this is not about changing the show but, by taking the show to New York city, perhaps we will change some minds."