Brad Paisley is the leader of the pack in ACM nominations with six nods this year, including Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Single, Song, Vocal Event and Video of the Year. Nominations were announced Wednesday at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Heidi Newfield was the second most-heard name at the press conference, as the former Trick Pony lead singer has five nominations: Single, Song and Video of the Year for her breakthrough solo hit, 'Johnny and June,' along with a Female Vocalist nod.Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson and George Strait follow with four nominations apiece. Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban each have three. Underwood is up for the ACM's biggest award, Entertainer of the Year, which rarely includes female nominees. In fact, there have only been seven female ACM Entertainer winners in the show's history -- most recently the Dixie Chicks in 2000. Underwood is up against Chesney, Urban, Strait and Paisley for the honor.
For the first time ever, fans will vote for the three new artist categories: Top New Female Vocalist, Top New Male Vocalist and Top New Vocal Duo or Group. Voting begins February 13 on GACTV.com and will close March 5. The three winners will be announced March 9, and will move on to compete in a brand new ACM category, Top New Artist.
The ACM Awards air live from Las Vegas, April 5 at 8 PM ET on CBS. Reba McEntire will be the night's host for the 11th time.
2009 ACM AWARD NOMINEES
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley
• George Strait
• Keith Urban
• Carrie Underwood
TOP MALE VOCALIST
• Kenny Chesney
• Toby Keith
• Brad Paisley
• George Strait
• Keith Urban
TOP FEMALE VOCALIST
• Miranda Lambert
• Heidi Newfield
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood
• Lee Ann Womack
TOP VOCAL GROUP
• Lady Antebellum
• Little Big Town
• Rascal Flatts
• Randy Rogers Band
• The Lost Trailers
TOP VOCAL DUO
• Big & Rich
• Brooks & Dunn
• Joey & Rory
• Montgomery Gentry
• Sugarland
TOP NEW MALE VOCALIST
• Jamey Johnson
• James Otto
• Jake Owen
TOP NEW FEMALE VOCALIST
• Sarah Buxton
• Julianne Hough
• Ashton Shepherd
TOP NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP
• Eli Young Band
• The Lost Trailers
• Zac Brown Band
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
• 'Gunpowder & Lead'
Miranda Lambert, Produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke
Columbia
• 'In Color'
Jamey Johnson, Produced by The Ken Hardley Playboys
Mercury
• 'Johnny & June'
Heidi Newfield, Produced by Tony Brown
Asylum-Curb
• 'Waitin' On A Woman'
Brad Paisley, Produced by Frank Rogers
Arista Nashville
• 'You're Gonna Miss This'
Trace Adkins, Produced by Frank Rogers
Capitol Nashville
SONG OF THE YEAR [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
• 'I Saw God Today'
George Strait
Composers: Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, Wade Kirby
Publishers: Big Red Toe Music (BMI), Blind Mule Music (BMI), Extremely Loud Music (BMI), Steel Wheels Music (BMI)
• 'In Color'
Jamey Johnson
Composers: Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller, James Otto
Publishers: Big Gassed Hitties (BMI), Eldorotto Music Publishing (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lucky Thumb Music (BMI), New Song of Sea Gayle (BMI), Noah's Little Boat Music (BMI)
• 'Johnny & June'
Heidi Newfield
Composers: Deanna Bryant, Heidi Newfield, Stephony Smith
Publishers: Amylase Music (ASCAP), Big Hit Makers Music (BMI), Rainy Graham Publishing LLC (BMI), Souljet Music Tell Texas Tune III (ASCAP)
• 'Waitin' On A Woman'
Brad Paisley
Composers: Don Sampson, Wynn Varble
Publishers: EMI April Music, Inc. (ASCAP), Sea Gayle Music LLC (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
• 'You're Gonna Miss This'
Trace Adkins
Composers: Ashley Gorley and Lee Thomas Miller
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Music of Windswept (ASCAP), Noah's Little Boat Music (BMI), Song of Combustion (ASCAP), Songs of Sea Gayle (BMI)
VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
• 'Johnny & June' - Heidi Newfield
Producer: Karen Martin
Director: Eric Welch
• ' Just A Dream' - Carrie Underwood
Producer: Randy Brewer
Director: Roman White
• 'Love Story' - Taylor Swift
Producer: Trent Hardville
Director: Trey Fanjoy
• 'Troubadour' - George Strait
Producer: Dominic Cancilla
Director: Trey Fanjoy
• 'Waitin' On A Woman' - Brad Paisley
Producer: Mark Kalbfeld, Jim Shea
Director: Jim Shea, Peter Tilden
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
• 'Another Try' - Josh Turner Featuring Trisha Yearwood
Produced by: Frank Rogers
MCA Nashville
• 'Cowgirls Don't Cry' - Brooks & Dunn Featuring Reba McEntire
Produced by: Kix Brooks, Tony Brown, Ronnie Dunn,
Arista Nashville
• 'Down The Road' - Kenny Chesney With Mac McAnally
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Blue Chair/BNA
• 'Life In A Northern Town' - Sugarland Featuring Little Big Town & Jake Owen
Mercury
• 'Start A Band' - Brad Paisley Duet With Keith Urban
Produced by: Frank Rogers
Arista Nashville
HOME DEPOT HUMANITARIAN AWARD - LeAnn Rimes
2008 ACM Awards Pictures
LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Actress Nicole Kidman (L) and musician Keith Urban arrive at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Singer Carrie Underwood arrives at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Musician Trace Adkins arrives at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Musicians Jennifer Nettles (L) and Kristian Bush of Sugarland arrive at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Singer/songwriter Taylor Swift arrives at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Musician Jack Ingram winner of the Top New Male Vocalist poses in the press room during the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: (L-R) Musicians Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox, and Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flats arrive at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Musician Rodney Atkins arrives at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Singer Kellie Pickler arrives at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Musician Toby Keith performs onstage during the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Reader Comments(1 of 1)
tegoliviat 2-11-2009
"Johnny and June" is really kind of a stupid song--shamelessly playing to the room by namedropping two iconic singers, without seriously addressing their legacy. The only real "tribute" to them is punning on some song titles. I'm not saying it was offensive or anything, just that it doesn't deserve the accolades it's been getting.
jack2zat 2-11-2009
She looks cute....Someone saw her profile with hot & sexy photos on ___Wealthybeauty.com ____@@@ , a dating site for celebrities and millionaires. It seems the profile looks sincere and attractive. Is it real!?
(^_^)(^_^)(^_^)(^_^)(^_^)(^_^)(^_^)(^_^)
martys3sat 2-12-2009
I have not liked Brad Paisley since he wrote and sang that immoral and disgusting song "Ticks". It should have been banned from radio. Young people certainly did not need to hear it! The song degraded women and promoted sexual immorality.
tjmo2787at 2-12-2009
I am a gay man in a monogamus relationship for 22 years and was married to a woman prior to that relationship which was very stimulating as well. I think you have to come to terms with who you are and accept yourself regardless of popularity or opinion. Everyone has one anyway so what does it matter?
One can only hope and pray that the Obama administration will actually give all individuals the civil rights and equality they deserve. We are all God's children and are made in his image. I find most of the comments judgemental and degrading. I imagine all of you pointing fingers and laughing at an individuals looks are perfect.
I have been listening to KC music for years and still I am moved by many of his songs. His music got me through a very difficult time in my life about 6 years or so ago. I have not had the opportunity to see KC live in concert but hopefully someday I will if it is meant to be, I have always had to give up my tickets at the last minute for a show due to some type of medical emergency it seems.
Can we please give all people a chance to be just who they are without condemnation and criticism?
I to am an East Tennessean and this is deep in the bible belt and Conservative Republican territory. Anyone with the fame that KC possesses would be hardpressed to come out of the closet even if it were true. As long as he is true to himself, I think that is all that matters.
We as a people need to overcome our prejudices towards lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender,straight, black, white, muslim, american, baptist, catholic or agnostic. God says that he knew us before we were born from our mothers womb. I see a lot of love there and cannot understand why everyone must live in a particular classification. I know this would be a better world to live in if everyone would just let everybody else be who they are.
However, gay or not, I can see what angle KC possibly may be coming from as far as appearances go and being in the limelight of country music. After all look what rumours did to Randy Travis in the country music business. Also, KD Lang openly lesbian did not make the scene of country music as she should have, as she has enormous talent. Perhaps KC would consider a concert to benefit HIV/AIDS and the oppression this disease takes on across the world. I would just bet that an almost all gay audience would applaud him on even more! Just in case this should happen allow me to suggest a few possible entertainers that would be just great with him in the show. Cher & Bette Midler of course, perhaps Lyle Lovett, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Lance Bass (INSYNC). I bet you could even get the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor to host the event and a performance by Michael Jackson. OH, what a show! Imagine the crowds and the dollars for the cause. One must do what one must do though.
Best of luck Kenny, regardless, just be yourself. I think you are a great entertainer and sexual orientation has nothing to do with your talents.
mssloanerat 3-04-2009
Make The Lost Trailers the ACM Best New artist of 2009.
Vote HERE! http://www.gactv.com/gac/pac_ctnt/text/0,,GAC_26058_84999,0.html
Darleneat 3-11-2009
Alrighty.......tjmo....I disagree that KC is gay, But IF he was, It wouldn't matter to the TRUE, Loyal KC fans anyway!! I have been a fan since his VERY FIRST SONG EVER hit the Radio, Ya know back when he was over weight, & had lots of Hair !!
So, his looks don't bother me, Sure he is a hunk right now, but that isn't why I enjoy his music. I LOVE his VOICE!! He can sing me through ANYTHING! If I have a bad day, he gets me through it, if I have an awsome day, he's there, When I lost a family member, he was there!
You REALLY should get out to see him live, HE IS EVEN MORE AWSOME ! There is NOTHING like hearing those songs LIVE ! I am even a fan club member. But the fan club isn't what it's cracked up to be ! The best part is you get to buy the tickets BEFORE everyone else does, & you can order the Merchandise instead of waiting in the Mile long lines at his show ! Anyways, The Bottom line is..IF you are a TRUE KC fan....You won't get mad if he's gay, or married ! God Bless!
Darleneat 3-11-2009
Have ya ever noticed that MontgomeryGentery Get over looked ALOT? I have also noticed that SugarLand, Little Bigtown, & Big& Rich also get way overlooked !Whats the problem? Is it because they don't Play by the Nashville Rules? Take Jennifer Nettles, she could out sing Carrie Underwood any day! Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Carrie's !But the truth is the truth. Whats actually going on in Nashville? Look how many years it was before Kenny Chesney FINALLY got Noticed for ALL he has done! I guess Waylon was right, Toby sure agrees!
Katieat 4-05-2009
I went to CBS/Academy of Country Music awards and I tried to vote/for Entertainer of the year, and got a response that "I had already voted".................I have not already voted!
IS THIS FIXED????