Eric Church, Chris Stapleton lead ACM nominations

BY KRISTIN M. HALL | Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Eric Church and Chris Stapleton lead the nominees for the 51st annual Academy of Country Music Awards with five nominations each, including male vocalist and album of the year.

In nominations announced Monday, Church earned a first-time nod for entertainer of the year, along with Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan — co-hosting the show with Dierks Bentley — and Miranda Lambert. Church also earned nominations for video of the year for “Mr. Misunderstood,” and vocal event of the year for “Raise ‘Em Up” with Keith Urban.

Stapleton earned two nominations for album of the year category for his “Traveller,” as both artist and co-producer. Chris Young, Thomas Rhett and Sam Hunt are also nominated for album of the year. Stapleton, 2015’s breakout country artist with four Grammy nominations, also earned nominations for new male vocalist of the year and vocal event of the year for “Hangover Tonight” with Gary Allan.

Bentley, Aldean and Brett Eldredge also are vying for male vocalist. Lambert, who earned three nominations overall, earned her 10th consecutive nod for female vocalist of the year; she’ll compete against Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini and Jana Kramer.

First-time ACM nominee Cam received four nominations, including new female vocalist and video of the year for “Burning House.” The single also earned Cam a dual nomination for artist and producer in the single record of the year category.

Singer Chris Young also received four nominations, for his work as artist and co-producer on his latest album, “I’m Comin’ Over,” and for single record of the year for the album’s title song.

Little Big Town earned a 10th nomination for vocal group of the year, as well as nominations for single record of the year and video of the year for “Girl Crush.” As a group, they also earned a nomination for vocal event of the year for “Smokin’ And Drinkin’” with Miranda Lambert, while singer Karen Fairchild received an individual nomination in the same category for “Home Alone Tonight” with Luke Bryan. Eli Young Band, Old Dominion and Rascal Flatts all earned nominations for vocal group of the year.

New singer Chris Janson earned three nominations for his work as artist and co-producer on “Buy Me a Boat,” up for single record of the year, and for new male vocalist. Rhett earned his first album of the year nomination for “Tangled Up,” as well as nods for his No. 1 hit, “Die a Happy Man,” for single record of the year and new male vocalist of the year.

In the vocal duo category, wife and husband duo Joey + Rory earned a nomination as Joey Feek is struggling with terminal cancer. Also nominated in that category were Brothers Osborne, Florida Georgia Line, Dan + Shay and Maddie & Tae.

Bentley announced the nominees for six categories on “CBS This Morning.” Additional categories were announced on ETonline.com. Song of the year, songwriter of the year and other industry categories will be announced at a later date.

The awards will air live from Las Vegas on April 3 at 7 p.m. on CBS.

Associated Press