In case you missed it...
The Academy of Country Music has announced this year's nominees for the ACM Awards. Luke Combs leads the nominations with eight, including nods in the major categories of Entertainer, Male Artist, Album, Song and Single, along with Music Event for his collaboration with Riley Green on "Different 'Round Here." Megan Moroney leads the way for women with six nominations, including both Female Artist and New Female Artist. Morgan Wallen also receives six nominations, tying Megan for the second most. Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson got five each, and Jelly Roll and Jordan Davis four apiece. The ACM Awards will stream live on Amazon Prime Video on May 16th from The Star in Frisco, Texas.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
- Kane Brown
- Luke Combs
- Jelly Roll
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Ashley McBryde
- Megan Moroney
- Kacey Musgraves
- Lainey Wilson
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Luke Combs
- Jelly Roll
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
DUO OF THE YEAR
- Brooks & Dunn
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan and Shay
- Maddie and Tae
- The War And Treaty
GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Flatland Cavalry
- Lady A
- Little Big Town
- Old Dominion
- Zac Brown Band
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Kassi Ashton
- Ashley Cooke
- Hannah Ellis
- Kylie Morgan
- Megan Moroney
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Ernest
- Kameron Marlowe
- Dylan Scott
- Conner Smith
- Nate Smith
NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Neon Union
- Restless Road
- Tigirlily Gold
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
- Gettin’ Old - Luke Combs
- Higher - Chris Stapleton
- Leather - Cody Johnson
- One Thing at a Time - Morgan Wallen
- Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) - Kelsea Ballerini
SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
- "Burn It Down" - Parker McCollum
- "Fast Car" - Luke Combs
- "Last Night" - Morgan Wallen
- "Need a Favor" - Jelly Roll
- "Next Thing You Know" - Jordan Davis
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
- "Fast Car" - Luke Combs
- "Heart Like a Truck" - Lainey Wilson
- "Next Thing You Know" - Jordan Davis
- "The Painter" - Cody Johnson
- "Tennessee Orange" - Megan Moroney
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
- "Can’t Break Up Now" - Old Dominion and Megan Moroney
- "Different ‘Round Here" - Riley Green and Luke Combs
- "I Remember Everything" - Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves
- "Man Made a Bar" - Morgan Wallen and Eric Church
- "Save Me" - Jelly Roll with Lainey Wilson
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
- "Burn It Down" - Parker McCollum
- "Human" - Cody Johnson
- "In Your Love" - Tyler Childers
- "Next Thing You Know" - Jordan Davis
- "Tennessee Orange" - Megan Moroney
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Jessie Jo Dillon
- Ashley Gorley
- Hillary Lindsey
- Chase McGill
- Josh Thompson
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Zach Bryan
- Ernest
- Hardy
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
Colt Ford continues to recuperate after suffering a heart attack Thursday night that put him in the ICU in critical condition. The country rapper fell ill after performing at Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row in Gilbert, Arizona last week. In a statement, Ford's team said yesterday, "Ford remains in the ICU, with his condition steadily improving in a positive direction. At this time, his family is requesting privacy and appreciates your continued thoughts and prayers." Ford co-wrote and recorded "Dirt Road Anthem" with Brantley Gilbert, a song Jason Aldean later took to #1 on the country charts.
80s and 90s country legend Dwight Yoakam is helping commemorate Record Store Day this year with a limited edition box set. "The Beginning And Then Some: The Albums Of The ’80s" will feature Yoakam's debut album "Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.," his sophomore album "Hillbilly Deluxe," and "Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room." The set also includes 13 rarities and demos from the decade. Four CD and LP sets will be available on Saturday, April 20 at independent record stores globally.