Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines, whose criticism of President George Bush last year led to death threats and boycotts of the group’s music, has reaffirmed her anti-war stance in a TV interview.

The two most successful artists at the Academy of Country Music Awards continued their winning ways, with Alan Jackson capturing album of the year for Drive, as well as a video honour, and Brooks & Dunn being named top vocal duo.

COUNTRY music band the Dixie Chicks, who sparked controversy when they denounced President George W Bush, yesterday hit back at critics through a nude appearance on the cover of a US magazine.

A member of Texas-based band Dixie Chicks said she received death threats after the group spoke out against the Iraq war and US President George Bush.

Country band the Dixie Chicks have been criticised by US music fans for remarks singer Natalie Maines made about President George Bush during a recent performance in London.