POP/ROCK - Feb. 27, 1996

Tops in Country: Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw and Alan Jackson were spotlighted Monday when nominations were announced for the Academy of Country Music’s 31st annual Hat Awards. The three performers were nominated both for entertainer of the year and top vocalist in their gender. Other entertainer of the year nominees announced at a Universal Studios press conference were Garth Brooks and Brooks & Dunn. Top male vocalist contenders also included John Berry, Vince Gill and George Strait, while other top female performer nominees were Faith Hill, Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis and Shania Twain. The latter also was nominated for best new female vocalist. Winners in 11 categories, including best album, single record and song, will be announced during ceremonies at the Universal Amphitheatre on April 24. The event will be televised by NBC.