Nominees for the 48th Annual ACM Awards were announced Wednesday through the second annual ACM digital press conference on the Academy’s Facebook and Twitter pages with help from the likes of Sheryl Crow, The Band Perry, Little Big Town, Scotty McCreery, Ryan Seacrest and more with Eric Church leading the way with seven nominations. Country stars were quick to react to the good news.
Hunter Hayes is the second-most nominated artist with six ACM nominations including Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Video of the Year for “Wanted.” Hunter received the news just days after he attended the GRAMMY Awards, where he was up for three awards. See GRAMMY photos >>
“I really feel like I’m part of the family now,” he said. “It’s such an honor to have the most amazing fans and now this incredible country music community thinks my music is worthy of these nominations. With ‘Wanted’ being nominated for a GRAMMY and now the ACMs – it blows my mind, what a way to kick off the year!”
Miranda Lambert is tied for third most-nominated artist with five nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Single Record and Song of the Year for “Over You.” Even though she’s the reigning Female Artist of the Year, she still gets nervous when it’s time for nominees to be announced. “ACMs! I’m so happy to be nominated! The butterflies are always there when the names are being announced. I feel so blessed. Celebrating!” she tweeted.
Taylor Swift ties Miranda with five nominations of her own including Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year. It was Taylor’s lucky day. “So grateful for the 5 Academy of Country Music Awards nominations I got today. And happy that it’s the 13th. And thankful for you,” she tweeted .
Little Big Town, who won their first GRAMMY Award on Sunday, received four nominations. “Humbled this a.m. to hear we have 4 #ACM nominations! #loveourfans #couldthisweekgetanybetter” they said via Twitter.
Blake Shelton, who is not only up for three ACMs including Entertainer of The Year and Top Male Vocalist but will also serve as co-host, took to Twitter to express his excitement. He learned he was also up for a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award. “First 3 ACM nominations then a Nickelodeon nomination!!!! This calls for a drink!!! #probablynotagoodrolemodel” he tweeted.
Luke Bryan, who will be Blake’s ACM Awards co-host, is also up for three awards and will compete with Blake for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. He thanked his fans for their support through Facebook. “Thank y’all so much for my ACM – Academy of Country Music award nominations. I couldn’t do this without the support of my fans,” he wrote. He later added on Twitter, “My life is good. Thank y’all for the nominations.”
Florida Georgia Line was named New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year during the press conference, marking their first ACM win. They’re also up for New Artist of the Year and Vocal Duo of the Year.
“We used to tell each other how fun it would be one day to actually attend an award show,” Brian Kelley said. “This last year has been a whirlwind and we’ve had the opportunity to go to a few. With that said, we never dreamed we would win an award or receive multiple nominations. This is an unbelievable honor!”
“Thank you to our fans for letting us play for you out on the road and giving back in such a cool way,” Tyler Hubbard added. “This award and these nominations couldn’t have happened without you!”
Jana Kramer was named New Female Vocalist of the Year and also received a nomination for New Artist of the Year. She expressed her excitement and thanked her fans through a series of tweets. “HOLY CRAP! I can’t believe I won new female!! Just another true fact that my fans are amazing!!! Thank you so so much! Means the world!!!!!! Smilin to myself knowin I am up against my fiancé @brantleygilbert & my friends @FLAGALine for overall. Honored to be in category with them!”
Thompson Square, reigning ACM Top Vocal Duo, is once again up for the Top Vocal Duo trophy. “It’s amazing to be nominated in our favorite category for the second year,” the pair said in a statement. “A big high five to all of you who voted for us. We love ya!”
Kacey Musgraves could hardly believe it when she learned she’s up for three ACM Awards, including the coveted Female Vocalist of the Year trophy. “Holy sh*t y’all!” she said. “I am speechless and so thankful. As a newcomer it’s an honor to be included in such a talented group of ladies.”
Singer/songwriter Will Hoge received his first ACM nomination for “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” which is up for Song of the Year. He co-wrote the track with Eric Paslay and it became a No. 1 hit for Eli Young Band. “Earlier this year I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the ACM Honors event at the Ryman in Nashville, alongside some of my greatest musical influences,” he said. “Now to receive this nomination and know that I’ll get to spend even more time in Vegas with fans, friends, Country radio and the awesome ACM team, I’m truly honored.”
The ACM Awards, co-hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, will air live on CBS on April 7 at 8p|7c.
