Loretta Lynn continues comeback with CMT Visionary Award

Monday, April 11th 2005, 3:06 pm

By: News On 6

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Country music icon Loretta Lynn, who turns 70 this week, could look forward to an early birthday gift Monday _ the presentation of Country Music Television's Johnny Cash Visionary Award during CMT's video awards show.

Much like the namesake of the Cash award, Lynn has reached a critical peak late in her career, winning two Grammys for her recent album ``Van Lear Rose.''

The album, which featured 13 songs written by Lynn, was a collaboration with White Stripes frontman Jack White and made many critics' top 10 lists in 2004. Lynn and White appeared in music videos for the songs ``Portland, Oregon'' and ``Miss Being Mrs.''

Others who stood to have a big night at the CMT awards: Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.

The video for Big & Rich's song ``Holy Water'' received nominations in the categories for group/duo and most inspiring video, while ``Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)'' was picked as a breakthrough video nominee.

Wilson's ``When I Think About Cheatin''' was nominated for female video, and her hit ``Redneck Woman'' got nods for breakthrough video and for video director.

Videos featuring Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith each received four nominations, including one for collaborative video for their work on Jimmy Buffett's remake of ``Hey Good Lookin'.''

Three Tim McGraw videos were nominated, including one for his collaboration with rapper Nelly on ``Over and Over.''

CMT announced the four final nominees in each category last month except one _ video of the year. The four in that category will be announced during the live broadcast at 8 p.m. EDT with final voting held online during the show.

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy was picked as host of the show, and scheduled performers include Chesney, Keith, Wilson, Big & Rich, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley.