The nominees for the 53rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards were announced yesterday, with Chris Stapleton leading the pack with eight nominations, in five categories, including the night’s big award, Entertainer of the Year, the first time he’s been recognized in that category.
Other multiple nominees include Thomas Rhett with six, Keith Urbanwith five, including his eighth Entertainer of the Year nod, and Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris each nabbing four.
This year’s Entertainer of the Year category is decidedly male, with Chris and Keith set to go up against last year’s winner, Jason Aldean, as well as Garth Brooks, and Luke Bryan.
- In some of the more interesting nods, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill got their first-ever nomination for Vocal Duo of the Year, while after being completely snubbed last year, Blake Shelton’s received a nod for Single Record of the Year for “I’ll Name the Dogs.” Finally, Glen Campbellreceived a posthumous nomination in the category Vocal Event of the Year for “Funny How Time Slips Away,” his duet with Willie Nelson.
The 53rd annual ACM Awards, which will be hosted by Reba McEntire, will air April 15th on CBS from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. This will be Reba’s 15th time hosting, and her first time since 2012.
Check out the complete list of nominees below:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
- Jason Aldean
- Garth Brooks
- Luke Bryan
- Chris Stapleton
- Keith Urban
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Miranda Lambert
- Reba McEntire
- Maren Morris
- Carrie Underwood
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Jason Aldean
- Thomas Rhett
- Chris Stapleton
- Keith Urban
- Chris Young
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Florida Georgia Line
- LOCASH
- Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Lady Antebellum
- LANCO
- Little Big Town
- Midland
- Old Dominion
NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Lauren Alaina
- Danielle Bradbery
- Carly Pearce
- Raelynn
NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Kane Brown
- Luke Combs
- Devin Dawson
- Russell Dickerson
- Brett Young
NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
- High Valley
- LANCO
- LOCASH
- Midland
- Runaway June
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- “The Breaker” – Little Big Town
- “California Sunrise” – Jon Pardi
- “From A Room: Volume 1” – Chris Stapleton
- “Happy Endings” – Old Dominion
- “Life Changes” – Thomas Rhett
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR
- “Better Man” – Little Big Town
- “Body Like A Back Road” – Sam Hunt
- “Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton
- “Drinkin’ Problem” – Midland
- “I’ll Name The Dogs” – Blake Shelton
SONG OF THE YEAR
- “Body Like a Back Road” – Sam Hunt
- “Female” – Keith Urban
- “Tin Man” – Miranda Lambert
- “Whiskey And You” – Chris Stapleton
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
- “Black” – Dierks Bentley
- “It Ain’t My Fault” – Brothers Osborne
- “Legends” – Kelsea Ballerini
- “Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett
- “We Should Be Friends” – Miranda Lambert
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
- “Craving You” – Thomas Rhett Featuring Maren Morris
- “Dear Hate” – Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill
- “Funny (How Time Slips Away)” – Glen Campbell And Willie Nelson
- “The Fighter” – Keith Urban featuring Carrie Underwood
- “What Ifs” – Kane Brown Featuring Lauren Alaina
Source: ACM Country