ACM Nominations Announced -- and Brad Paisley Leads the Pack
The nominees for the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards were announced Wednesday morning (Feb. 11) at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. Leading the list were Brad Paisley (six nominations) and former Trick Pony vocalist Heidi Newfield (five).
Other artists receiving multiple nominations include Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, James Otto, Jake Owen, Taylor Swift and Sugarland.
The album of the year nominees will be announced in March. In the meantime, here's a complete list of the nominations so far:
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
"Gunpowder & Lead"
Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke
"In Color"
Jamey Johnson
Producers: The Ken Hardley Playboys
"Johnny and June"
Heidi Newfield
Producer: Tony Brown
"Waitin' on a Woman"
Brad Paisley
Producer: Frank Rogers
"You're Gonna Miss This"
Trace Adkins
Producer: Frank Rogers
Song of the Year
"I Saw God Today"
George Strait
Writers: Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, Wade Kirby
"In Color"
Jamey Johnson
Writers: Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller, James Otto
"Johnny and June"
Heidi Newfield
Writers: Deanna Bryant, Heidi Newfield, Stephony Smith
"Waitin' on a Woman"
Brad Paisley
Writers: Don Sampson, Wynn Varble
"You're Gonna Miss This"
Trace Adkins
Writers: Ashley Gorley, Lee Thomas Miller
Video of the Year
"Johnny and 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
Producers: Mark Kalbfeld, Jim Shea
Directors: Jim Shea, Peter Tilden
Vocal Event of the Year
"Another Try"
Josh Turner Featuring Trisha Yearwood
Producer: Frank Rogers
"Cowgirls Don't Cry"
Brooks & Dunn Featuring Reba McEntire
Producers: Kix Brooks, Tony Brown, Ronnie Dunn
"Down the Road"
Kenny Chesney With Mac McAnally
Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
"Life in a Northern Town"
Sugarland Featuring Little Big Town and Jake Owen
Producers: Sugarland, Byron Gallimore
"Start a Band"
Brad Paisley Duet With Keith Urban
Producer: Frank Rogers
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
shannon reach says:
What about Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Bill Currington??
Eric says:
I’m so happy Carrie is nominated for entertainer of the year! She deserves it!
Melissa says:
OMG!!! how great is it that Carrie Underwood is nominated for Entertainer Of The Year!!! plus everything else! She deserves it and anyone whos been to her concerts or seen her perform on tv knows shes amazing! CONGRATS to Carrie!
Lori says:
Home by Blake Shelton??????????????????????
Deb says:
Glad to see Kenny hope he wins his 5th ETOY!!
And also glad to see The Lost Trailers!!
alisha says:
Im glad carrie underwood is nominated for Entertainer Of The Year!!! She is one amazing girl and deseves everything.
Jess says:
Go Carrie! I’m excited about most of the noms especially Carrie for Entertainer of the Year & Brooks & Dunn w/Reba for Vocal Event of the Year but Lori- I totally agree with you! I love “Home” by Blake Shelton and I can’t understand why one of the best male voices can’t get any respect from the country music industry… that’s just a pile of “BS!” I love me some Blake Shelton!
RedMaZ says:
Congratulations to the Americana artists nominated this year.
Michelle says:
that’s so awesome that carrie is nominated for EOTY!!! that would be amazing if she won!!! :D she totally deserves it!
Connie says:
No big surprises Other then Heidi Newfield Didn’t care for that song at all. Having seen her live a couple of times last year not a deserved nomination . Leann Rymes seems to be always over looked.
Why the delay on album nominations?
Kevin says:
Glad to see Brad get so many nominations. He definitely deserves it. I think that Alan Jackson deserves to be nominated for something with “Small Town Southern Man” And Blake Shelton’s “Home” should have earned him a nomination. IMO Blake Shelton should be Male Vocalist of The Year.
Brandi says:
WHAT?!?! This is just ridiculous. How in the world did Carrie Underwood make it in the ETOY category and Rascal Flatts does not?? I love Carrie and all, but seriously? You might as well just spoon feed her some more. I swear these award shows get worse and worse each year. And have these ppl never heard of CHUCK WICKS?!?! He totally deserves the Top New Male Vocalist nomination. Some of these folks are so overrated that it’s just not worth even commenting on them.
Kevin says:
Here are my picks:
EOTY- Keith Urban
Male Vocalist- George Strait
Female Vocalist- Miranda Lambert or Lee Ann Womack
Vocal Group- Lady A
Vocal Duo- Brooks and Dunn
New Male Vocalist- Jake Owen
New Female Vocalist- Ashton Shepherd
New Vocal Duo or Group- Zach Brown Band
Single- Waitin On A Woman
Song- In Color
Video- Waitin On A Woman
Event- Cowgirls Dont Cry
Melissa says:
Honestly, I think I’m pretty happy with most of the categories, but the single/record of the year category is a let down. I’d like to see different songs in there. I’m glad Brad got a nod in there, though. The song’s great.
I can’t wait to see who gets nominated for album of the year. I’m guessing Alan, Taylor and anyone else who has had a recent release in the last couple months/year??
Chloe says:
We all know Taylor Swift will NEVER win for Female Vocalist. She can’t sing a note if her life depended on it.
Malcom says:
Once again Tim and Faith were so not worthy of making the list. Thank goodness!
alan says:
what about MARTINA MCBRIDE that is so sad to see the list without her in….
I hope she get her chance to SHINE with her new album
Sara says:
Carrie for EOTY??? Seriously????
Why is LeAnn Rimes always overlooked? She has one of the best voices in music period. She has had songs at the top of the charts for the past few years, yet she is NEVER nominated.
What about Blake Shelton? He had an amazing year. Why isn’t he nominated?
Jo says:
My picks would be:
EOTY - Kenny Chesney
TMV - Brad Paisley
TFM - Taylor Swift
TVG - Rascal Flatts
TVD - Sugarland (landslide victory here)
TNMV - James Otto
TNFV - Julianne Hough
TNVDorG - Zac Brown Band
Single OTY - You’re Gonna Miss This
Song OTY - I Saw God Today
VOTY - Love Story
VEOTY - Cowgirls Don’t cry
vp says:
WTG Carrie breaking into the boys club representing woman in country very well.
Where did Hiedi Newfeild come from in any category, rimes should have been in there insted.
I hope Kenny gets knocked of the shelf like he should have two years ago.
Tracy says:
What???? RF getting snubbed again for EOTY??? What is up with those people!!! And Carrie???? just don’t get that either.I am sorry I am just not a fan of hers. I am with a few of y’all up there why was Blake and Miranda not moninated for “Home” I really like that song. They sound great together. Glad to see Brooks and Dunn nominated for “Cowgirl Don’t Cry” that is a awesome song with Reba. Glad to see Toby Keith nominated he seems to get snubbed EVery Year that is just not fair. Where in the world did Heidi Newfield come from??? She has several nominations??/ I swear these award shows are so ***** polital. just not fair or right.
Amanda says:
It’s great to see Carrie being nominated for Entertainer, she deserves the nomination. Really excited to see Jamey Johnson get some nominations, hoping for an album of the year nod when they are revealed.
Not too suprised to see Heidi Newfield get so many nominations, since a few years back Trick Pony was nominated for quite a few, including Single Record of the Year, and several others. Seems the ACM voters are big fans of her music still.
I was shocked to see that Alan Jackson didn’t recieve any nominations. Without a doubt, last year was a big year for him, and you couldn’t turn on your radio without hearing, “Good Time”.
And where are Blake Shelton’s nominations? The man can sing, and he does it very well. “Home” was huge and one of his best vocal performances. I hope one day he’ll get the recognition that he deserves.
guess? says:
Taylor swift for top female vocalist!! She is not a vocalist!!! WHAT A JOKE!!!
Brittany says:
Go Carrie!!! I am so happy for her!
Avery says:
Carrie worked her butt off last year and she deserved the EOTY nomination. She met all the requirements for the nomination. WTG, Carrie!!! Hope you win this for all the women in country!! I was really happy with all the nominations…glad to see Jamey Johnson in there for In Color…love that song.
Emily_T says:
GO CARRIE , She soo deserve to win this NO ONE works harder than she does , she is the best out there right now and anyone who disagrees does not understand what a GREAT artist is, you can love her or hate her but there is no denying that she works really really hard
CONGRATS CARRIE
Jamie says:
I am glad to finally see a solo female artist nominated for Entertainer of the Year. It has been a long time coming. Carrie worked extremely hard last year and really deserves this. I am going to be rooting for her to win because it has been way too long since a women won this. Her being nominated for Female Vocalist is a no-brainer, because she has one of the best voices around and she is one of the best live performers. There were a few I disagree with on the list but there were a lot of quality songs last year so I imagine it is hard to choose just 5. The Female Vocalist category has one person that doesn’t belong there if you are basing it on singing ability. There are some great female voices that were left off that list. Glad to see Brad with so many nominations. I was surprised to see Heidi Newfield get 5 nominations but I guess anything that makes references to Johnny and June Cash will be a favorite of the ACM nominating committee. I was also surprised that Blake Shelton didn’t get nominated for something. He is one of the better male singers and has had a pretty good year. With only 5 slots for Entertainer of the Year someone deserving is going to be left off.
Amy says:
Stupid to see carrie for entertainer of the year. What is even more stupid is fans are allowed to vote at voteacm. The Carrie fans certainly know how to rally the troops & cheat.
Andie says:
we dont cheat, we are a big fan base thats all, and i think carrie deserves it, a nom for a woman its a win already. im going for either carrie or brad
Kim says:
Where is Dierks Bentley?? He has yet another #1 hit song, writes most of his material and puts on one of the best live shows out there. It’s getting frustrating to see the same people nominated or ones that are questionable (Heidi Newfield?Really?)
Connie says:
I still hate the fact that fans get to vote for ETOTY I’m sorry I agree with Chesney it takes away form the prestige of the award .. I think it means more to a artist that their piers voted them the award . Then fans. Fans have their say at the ticket office and CD sales. Good grief the year Swift gets in for ETOTY no one will stand a chance the teeny boppers will secure her a win. Much the same for Carrie
p.s. Carrie worked hard ? I think that can be said of every country artist , In country music just about all the artist work their butts off every year. Carrie does not do any more then any one else
vp says:
Carrie toured almost 1/3 more than any of the top 10 country artist. 153 shows, now that is working hard. Not to mention trying to master the craft of headliner, which she got better with every show. She more than met criteria actually she exceeded it.
I don’t think people realize how many people Carrie has turned into country fan, why do you think there has been a country boost for the last three years? Not because of the same old acts singing the same old songs. She made country new again.
smartmove says:
I think Kenny has a point about the integrity of the award being lost with the new fan voting method. If the recipient of the award believes the process is compromised, it is.
Some of these nominees are a bit odd in my opinion, but the ETOY for Carrie Underwood will be a political issue for many in this genre. I like her, I just don’t think she is an entertainer. She also has some very big shoes to fill when you look at the other nominees in the category.
Syd says:
This is the worst picks for the ACM’s I have ever seen! Why are the having the ACM’s now?! there are no new songs from pretty much last year or at least the CMA’s. What is the point of this award show? The CMA’s are the big ones and the cmt’s are fan voted, what’s the difference between the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music?! They didn’t do a good job picking the nominees this year because of that I probably won’t watch it.
Katrina says:
Ok people carrie for entertainer of the year? THATS AWESOME! To the people that dont think she deserves it she was on tour practically all year last year and she made me like country music. Its time for a girl to win this category again and carrie is well worthy of it
Tom says:
I’m hoping Jamey Johnson has a well deserved good ACM Awards. I personally feel that “That Lonesome Song” should have been the Grammy’s country album of the year. Nothing against “Troubadour” I think that is another good album. I will be rooting for Jamey Johnson and his style of music that brings country back to it’s roots.
diamond says:
carrie for eoty get real! flatts should have been there or sugarland!!! whats up with that. I agree with kenny the people to vote for that award it is NOT right!if your going to let the fans vote we should on the whole show!!congrads to sugarland kenny brad and taylor!
diamond says:
p.s. I DO LIKE CARRIE I JUST DO NOT THINK SHE SHOULD GET A EOTY NOD SHE UP FOR 2 MORE, MABY SHE WILL WIN THOSE?
Connie says:
Oh please just because Carrie has fans does not mean she has turned them on to country music. I doubt any of her fans even look at another country artist, I bet they don’t know who Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson is, Why do people think that because a artist sells a lot of CD’s in the pop market that these fans now like country music, Carrie hasn’t done a thing for country music.
Emily_T says:
for those who think that carrie does not derserve EOTY nom
just look at what she has done in 2008 alone
-inducted into the Opry
-153 tour dates
-played in fount of about 1.2 million people
-4 #1 single( making 9 total)
-Hosted the Cma
-took home her 3rd FVOTY at the Cma
-Top touring female
-Great rolemodel, brought tons of fans over
-had a #1 Cd - Carnival Ride
show me anyone that has worked that hard
and to who think that it should not be half fan voted last time i checked the fans are the ones that buy the music , watch the shows and keep all of them in a job so we should have a voice in who wins
CARRIE DERSERVES IT MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE-
CARRIE EOTY WINNER 2009 - get over it
star says:
I do not thinkcarrie should be up for this award this soon she has alot to do before she is up in reba or shaina league. maybe in a year or so.
Anna says:
Carrie had a whole slew of amazing peformances, the CMAS, ACMS (make the world go away), the grammys, idol gives back.
She was the top 5 tours of the year, top touring female.
4 number 1 singles.
most prominent female representative for the genre.
blonde says:
go kenny or brad to win etoy!! one you guys should win, oh yeh do not foget keith urban or george!!
Holly says:
I pray so hard that James Otto is named Best New Artist and given the Song of the Year award for his co-writing “In Color”, I love him so much!!! (big smile)
Congrats to Trace Adkins on his being in there for Single and Song on the Year!!! (smiles)
Also congrats to LeAnn Rimes on her being named the ACM Humanitarian of the Year!!! In a way she was NOT overlooked THIS time, I am so happy for her!!! (big smile)
God bless you and these three of my favorites always!!!
Holly in East Tennessee
K says:
I’m happy for all those nominated, but I don’t agree with all the choices. Chosing to insert Hedi Newfield in multiple catgories was absured, first of all. What has she done that is significant to the country genre or country fans?
I’m happy for Carrie’s nom, and shocked about Martina’s snub. It figures that the Flatts would get snubbed, though. they get NO respect from the county industry, even though they had a pair of number ones, “Still Feels Good” is still a consistent seller, and their tour once again played to one million fans. I understand that their live performances are shaky, but that’s not all entertainer should be about. It should be about connecting with fans year after year, album after album, which they have clearly done. I’m OK with anyone else winning except for KC. Mediocre voice, mediocre performer, mediocre songs.
Despite what others have said, I’m not viewing these nominations as unpredictable. The only real surprise is Newfield’s multiple (puzzling) nominations.
My predictions:
ETOY: KC
MV: Brad Paisley
FM: Carrie Underwood
TVG: RF
TVD: Obviously Brooks and Dunn or Sugarland, but judging past awards, it could go either way. Judging by album sales and commerical success, it’d be Sugarland, hands down though.
TNM: Jake Owen
TNF: Ashton Shepard
NVDG: Zach Brown Band
Single: Watin On A Woman
Song: I Saw God Today
Video: Trubador or Just A Dream
Vocal Event: Life In a Nothern Town
K says:
And for all those defending Carrie’s entertainer nom, yes, she’s worked hard, and yes, she is one of the best live performers, but she’s NOT the only hardworking person in country.
Sure, she got inducted to the Opry, hosted the CMA’s, and was the top touring female. Those are all huge honors, but they aren’t things that haven’t been done millons of times before. She’s also not the only one who gives consistent live performances, among other things. Nothing that she’s done sticks out as something new and unique to me personally.
And, those of you challenging to find someone who works just as hard as Carrie, I will.
Rascal Flatts played to over one millon (for the second year), they had 3 months off the ENTIRE year, they make albums every two and a half years, and in between that they appearances on shows like Good Morning America (multiple times a year), Today Show, and more. Not to mention they perform at numerous awards shows throughout the year, even when they’re nominated for one award. They performed at the ACM’S, People’s Choice, and would’ve no doubt performed at the Grammy’s or CMA’s if they’d be invited. To have the guts to even show up somewhere when you’re nominated for one award that you’ve won for the past FIVE YEARS takes integrity.
Not to mention they do tireless charity for numerous orginizations, especially Vanderbilt Children’s hospital. In the past three years, they raised over two million dollars with thier benefit show. They go there and do a show, talk to patients who couldn’t be there, and sign autographs for hours. They also recieved the honor of being the artists who granted the most wishes for children through the “Make A Wish” Foundation. Not to mention they personally went down to Oklahoma recently to aid in the tornado relief efforts.
These guys tour more than most, they tireless make albums and promote them all year, and they spend countless hours PERSONALLY giving their time and efforts to charity when they could just walk in and write a check.
So before you sit her and “challenge” someone to find an artist who works just as hard, if not harder, than Carrie, you might want to check your facts.
cag says:
A big congrats to Toby for his nom…..about time !!!!
Good luck to Jamey Johnson….would love to see him win
Taylor for female vocalist……what a joke….the girl CAN’T sing !!!!!!!
TD says:
Congrats to all the nominees! It’s a shame Kellie Pickler was overlooked for Top Female Vocalist again and she definitely deserved the nomination last year and this year. The industry should promote her more!
Faye Hilbert says:
The ACM nominations, WHAT A JOKE! First of all, aside from all of the hype of selling albums, being an Opry Member and having every single song you record go to #1, Carrie Underwood DOES NOT deserve the Entertainer of the Year! Entertainer of the year should not just be about the numbers (how many shows you played and how many albums you sell) it’s about the ENTERTAINMENT of the fans and hands down the only one in this category that truly knows how to ENTERTAIN his fans is KEITH URBAN! Not only does Keith give you 2-21/1 hours of pure energy but he loves what he is doing and it shows on stage! Now that’s an entertainer! I only wish Keith could be recognized for his talent by the ACM’s in this category before he too is no longer being nominated like MARTINA MCBRIDE. What a joke that Martina was not even nominated! Not only did she have a great tour last year, but she also has been in the Top 20 tours and Martina is an awesome singer and performer not to mention a Grand Ole Opry member herself and in my opinion a country music icon. I had the honor of seeing her twice last year and she rocked! I had the chance to see Carrie twice last year with Keith Urban and I am sorry but unless Carrie has improved on stage to me she is not “Entertainer of the Year” worthy. Keith blew her away! As for all of the other artists, I don’t understand how Heidi Newfield could be nominated for the Top Female Artist and Martina was not! Shame on you! I don’t know about the rest of you but I am getting a little tired of the same artist (Brad, Carrie and Kenny and now Taylor) always being the center of everything in country music and receiving all the honors. Enough with them already! At least one of my favorites, Keith Urban, was not left out this year! Good Luck to Keith! (although I am sure he will be overlooked again this year…..what a shame!)
CJ says:
Glad to see a woman in the nominations for etoy. Carrie deserves this as much as any other artist. Her voice is beautiful and she has worked very hard this year. I was very pleased with most of the nominations they were well deserved. What happened to Faith, Martina,and a lot of other stars that are deserving. Go figure!
RedMaZ says:
You really don’t understand how this Pop industry works do you?
miranda says:
I think George strait deserves entertainer of the year. He is amazing and always puts on a wonderful show.i mean look at him he is one of the greatest of all times. I think Brooks and Dunn featuring Reba should get vocal event of the year. i mean she is one of the greatest women singers of all time and a duet with her wow. that song really deserves it.
Joyce Landy says:
American Idol and Carrie Underwood are ruining everything in country music. I can’t believe she was nominated for Entertainer of the Year. Hopefully someone else wins
Gail says:
I’m really glad to see Keith Urban nominated for EOTY. He is the best entertainer I’ve ever seen, even Elvis! He mesmerizes you and leaves you wanting more! I’m not shocked to see Carrie in the EOTY category. I
trufanofcountry says:
The worst nom was Taylor instead of Martina. Swift can’t carry a tune in a bucket. The worst vocalist in Nashville!!!
Trish says:
Carrie should win EOTY and top female vocalist. She has the best voice in country music and has the best live voice. The reason she wins all the time is because she is the best - pretty simple. Heidi Newfield with 5 nominations is a joke. I like Taylor Swift but she doesn’t deserve a female vocalist award with her limited range. Blake Shelton and Alan Jackson deserve awards.
Matthew says:
Wow.. I love how you all write an essay praising your favorite musician. Good God, it’s a fuckin’ awards show!
Keith Urban all the way.
goldie says:
I think this year at the ACMs taylor swift will take home the female v. of the year she had the best selling year of any one in all of music!eoty dshould go to kenny or brad!!
Hello! says:
Taylor is not a vocalist by no means. She cant sing herself out of a paper bag. Shes just a filler.
ccc says:
taylor can sing or she wouldn’t be making millions she should have been nominated she deserves it and i think it will come down to her and carrie but i agree with you martina should have been nominated instead of either heidi or leeann
My picks:
EOY: Brad Paisley
TMV: George Strait
TFV: Taylor Swift
TVG: Rascal Flatts
TVD: Sugarland
TNM: Jamey Johnson
TNF: Ashton Shepherd or Sarah Buxton I Love them both
NVDG: the Zach Brown Band, although Joey & Rory should have been nominated
SONG & SINGLE: You’re Gonna Miss This
VIDEO: Love Story
COLL: Life in a Northern Town
guess? says:
Taylor cant sing. She goes into a studio and they fix her voice. That is the reason she sounds ok on cds but live she aweful. Shes shouldnt be nominated!!!
Jean says:
I think the Acm’s did a great job this year. I think Carrie def deserves entertainer of the year. Although I think Miranda should get female vocalist of the year.
Ryan says:
Miranda deserves female vocalist! I think Carrie should also win Entertainer of the year.