CORRESPONDENT BEN TRACY INTERVIEWS REBA McENTIRE AND BLAKE SHELTON ON “CBS THIS MORNING,” ABOUT CO-HOSTING THE “47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC® AWARDS”

Correspondent Ben Tracy interviews Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton about co-hosting the “47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC® AWARDS”. The interview was broadcast today, March 30, 2012, on CBS THIS MORNING on the CBS Television Network (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM).

Below is an excerpt from the interview.

TRACY: This is the second time in a row this dynamic country duo has done this show together.

McENTIRE: He did very well, very proud of him and I can’t wait to get back on stage with him again.

SHELTON: …Now I am realizing that the way people ask you [Reba McEntire] these questions, you really are the president of country music…

McENTIRE: Yes, yes I am.

MARTINA McBRIDE AND PAT MONAHAN TO PERFORM THE SONG “MARRY ME,” AND LIVE WEDDING CEREMONY TO TAKE PLACE ONSTAGE DURING THEIR PERFORMANCE, ON THE “47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS”, TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS SUNDAY, APRIL 1 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Country music star Martina McBride and Train frontman Pat Monahan are scheduled to perform McBride’s new single “Marry Me” on the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 1 (8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. To celebrate the message of the song, McBride and Monahan will perform the duet during a very special moment in the show, when a couple will get married live onstage during their performance.

For the first time in ACM Awards history – and perhaps any awards show history – a live wedding ceremony will take place onstage during the performers’ “Marry Me” duet, which is McBride’s current single from her latest album, Eleven. The song was written by Monahan and originally released in 2010 as the third single from Train’s chart-topping fifth studio album, Save Me, San Francisco.

McBride personally selected the lucky recipients of the onstage nuptials. Couple Christina Davidson and Frank Tucci thought they would never find love again. In July 2009, Frank lost his wife, Danielle, to thyroid cancer and in that same year, Christina lost her husband, Paul, in a tragic drowning accident. As a way to deal with the grief of losing her husband and raising her two sons, Stephen and Paul, on her own, Christina started a support group for young widows and widowers in Washington Township, N.J. where she met Frank. Slowly their friendship blossomed into love as they bonded over their shared views about the challenges of single parenthood and the struggles to keep the memories of their spouses alive. Their wedding will mark a new chapter in their lives, an intimate moment which they will graciously share onstage. The bride will be wearing an Oleg Cassini gown as she recites her vows. Fans can also follow Christina and Frank along their journey to the chapel at www.ACMwedding.com.

McBride and Monahan join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sara Evans, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Chris Young, The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum and Rascal Flatts.

Martina McBride is a three-time ACM Female Vocalist of the Year and is nominated again this year in the same category. She was awarded the Academy’s Humanitarian Award in 2003 for her charitable work and, in 2011, was honored by ACM Lifting Lives® for her dedication to raising social consciousness of domestic violence and encouraging female empowerment through songs. Her latest album, Eleven, includes 11 new tracks, six of which she co-wrote. Her current single, “Marry Me,” features Train’s Pat Monahan and is the follow-up to her 25th career Top 10 single, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.”

Pat Monahan is the lead singer and songwriter for the GRAMMY® Award-winning band Train. The San Francisco-based multi-platinum group’s fifth studio album, Save Me, San Francisco, was certified platinum with three Billboard Hot 100 singles – “If It’s Love,” “Marry Me” and the GRAMMY-winning smash hit, “Hey, Soul Sister.” “Hey, Soul Sister” was the biggest-selling single of 2010 and hit #1 on the radio in the U.S. and 15 countries abroad. Train’s new album, California 37, is due out April 17 and will include the single “Drive By.”

The 47th ANNUAL Academy of Country Music Awards, dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry, is produced for television by dick clark productions. Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark ar Ge executive producers. Barry Adelman is producer, and Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

RATING: To Be Announced

Official CBS Web site: http://www.cbs.com/shows/acma/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AcademyOfCountryMusic

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ACMawards

LITTLE BIG TOWN PARTNERS WITH ACM LIFTING LIVES® TO PERFORM SONG TO RAISE AWARENESS OF CHILD HUNGER IN THE UNITED STATES, DURING SPECIAL MOMENT ON THE “47TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS”, TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS ON SUNDAY, APRIL 1 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

ACM Lifting Lives Joins Hunter Hayes and ConAgra Foods to Present “Here’s Hope,” An Original Song Co-Written by Hayes to Benefit “Child Hunger Ends Here”

ACM Award winners Little Big Town will partner with ACM Lifting Lives® to perform “Here’s Hope,” an original song co-written by singer-songwriter and ACM New Artist of the Year nominee Hunter Hayes, to shed light on child hunger in the United States. This special musical moment, presented by ConAgra Foods’ “Child Hunger Ends Here” campaign, will be performed during the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 1 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Hayes will introduce the powerhouse quartet, who will be joined onstage by the Clark County Children’s Choir, to bring this powerful 2012 ACM Lifting Lives moment to viewers.

“When I first learned about ACM Lifting Lives a few years ago, I immediately asked to be part of this amazing organization,” said Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town.  “Lifting Lives seeks out needs and takes care of people.  They work hard at giving both children and adults comfort, contentment and happiness.  We are so honored and excited to be a part of the very special Lifting Lives moment to end child hunger on the ACM Awards.  We can’t wait!”

After learning that more than one in five children in America do not know where their next meal is coming from, Hayes, along with industry-leading songwriters Luke Laird and Barry Dean, was inspired to pen “Here’s Hope.” By using the power of music to touch hearts, the song was written to inspire consumers to join the fight against child hunger.

“What I didn’t realize – and what most people may not know – is that child hunger is not a far away problem; it’s a problem right here in our own backyards,” said Hayes. “The good news, though, is that this is a problem we can all help solve together. My hope is that through music, we can inspire people to get involved and finally put an end to child hunger in our country.”

ACM Lifting Lives, which works to improve lives through music, is spotlighting Hayes’ personal passion for ending child hunger and his work with the ConAgra Foods’ “Child Hunger Ends Here” campaign, which will donate up to five million meals this school year to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.

“Lifting Lives is dedicated to improving lives through the power of music,” said Lisa Huddleson, Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives.  “By partnering with ConAgra Foods, Little Big Town, Hunter Hayes and consumers, we want to use a song in the telecast to raise awareness about how we can all help eradicated child hunger in the United States.”

“ConAgra Foods is proud to partner with the Academy of Country Music, Hunter Hayes and Feeding America to help solve the issue of child hunger,” said Chris Sinta, Director of Consumer Promotions and Sponsorships for ConAgra Foods.  “We believe this partnership, and the performance of ‘Here’s Hope’ by Little Big Town, will drive home the fact that more than one in five children don’t know where their next meal is coming from, raise awareness of our commitment to ending child hunger and reinforce how everyone can help.”

This year’s ACM Lifting Lives show moment with Little Big Town marks the fourth consecutive year of moving performances which have highlighted worthy causes and provided support on behalf of their beneficiaries during the live Awards telecast.

For more information on how to join the fight against child hunger and how to participate in the ConAgra Foods “Child Hunger Ends Here” program, please visit www.childhungerendshere.com.

About ACM Lifting Lives

ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.  Each year, ACM Lifting Lives provides grants to music therapy and music education programs.  Other giving includes serving members of the country music community who face unexpected medical or financial hardship through the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund and partnering with artists to improve lives through music.  Since 2009, the ACM Lifting Lives on-stage moment has raised over $200,000 for designated charities.  Downloads and direct donations of Toby Keith’s performance on the 45th annual telecast, and Darius Rucker’s performance on the 46th annual telecast raised funds and awareness for Wounded Warrior Project and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center respectively.  For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.

The 47th Academy of Country Music Awards, dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry, is produced for television by dick clark productions.  Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers.  Barry Adelman is producer, and Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

“THE TALK” IS GOING COUNTRY WITH SPECIAL SHOWS COUNTING DOWN TO THE “47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS”

On Thursday, March 29, Country Superstar Miranda Lambert Will Guest Co-host THE TALK & ACM Award-Nominated Performer

Chris Young Will Perform His Hit Song “You”

ACM Awards Host Reba Visits THE TALK on Friday, March 30

 

THE TALK is going country!  Next week, the daytime talk show will celebrate the 47TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS with special guests, segments and live performances, including ACM Awards host Reba, country superstar Miranda Lambert and ACM Award-nominated performer Chris Young,  Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30 (2:00-3:00 PM, ET; 1:00-2:00 PM, PT/CT).

On Thursday, March 29, Miranda Lambert will join the ladies at the table as a guest co-host.  Also during the show, ACM nominated singer Chris Young will perform his recent #1 hit, “You.” Young is nominated for the ACM Male Vocalist and Single Record of the Year awards.

ACM Awards host and country music icon Reba will visit THE TALK and preview the Awards show on Friday, March 30.

The 47TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, “Country Music’s Party of the Year®” honoring country music’s best and introducing the industry’s hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 1 (8:00-11:00PM live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The show, produced by dick clark productions, will be hosted for the second consecutive year by Reba and Blake Shelton.

ACM NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR NOMINEES BRANTLEY GILBERT, HUNTER HAYES AND SCOTTY McCREERY TO PERFORM AT 2nd ANNUAL ACM FAN JAM, HOSTED BY ZAC BROWN BAND, AND NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD TO BE PRESENTED AT THIS FANS-ONLY LIVE CONCERT ON THE “47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS”, BROADCAST LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, APRIL 1 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Academy of Country Music Awards New Artist of the Year nominees Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes and Scotty McCreery will perform at the 2nd Annual ACM Fan Jam and Post-Award Concert, hosted by Zac Brown Band, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.  Their performances at the ACM Fan Jam, the fans-only live concert event taking place in Las Vegas during and after the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, will be broadcast during the Awards, Sunday, April 1 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Also taking to the ACM Fan Jam stage is electric cowboy DeeJay Silver, who will produce signature country music remixes and mash-ups for fans in between performances.

As previously announced, ACM Award winners and multi-platinum artists Zac Brown Band will headline the 2nd Annual ACM Fan Jam, which gives country music lovers the ultimate fan-pass to be part of the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS.  Throughout the three-hour Awards broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, there will be live ACM Fan Jam performances by top-tier music acts, via remote, from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

After making it through the first round of fan voting, newcomer nominees Gilbert, Hayes and McCreery will now compete for the coveted ACM New Artist of the Year title. The winner will be awarded on the ACM Fan Jam stage during the live broadcast of the 47TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS.  Fans can vote for their favorite New Artist at www.VoteACM.com beginning Monday, March 19 at 12:00 noon, ET/9:00 AM, PT until 8:00 PM, ET/5:00 PM, PT on Sunday, April 1, before the live show starts.

DeeJay Silver has been a top touring DJ/remixer/producer for more than 10 years and has played in premier venues in virtually every major market in the United States, Mexico and Canada.  Having recently toured with Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party Tour featuring Eric Church and the JaneDear girls, as well as Rascal Flatts’ Flatts Fest, DeeJay Silver has entertained millions of listeners with his unique brand of music mixing – party rock country style.

The 47th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry.  The show is produced for television by dick clark productions.  Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers.  Barry Adelman is producer, and Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

BLAKE SHELTON, CHRIS YOUNG, THE BAND PERRY, LADY ANTEBELLUM AND RASCAL FLATTS SET TO PERFORM AT THE “47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS”, TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, APRIL 1 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Entertainer of the Year nominee Blake Shelton, Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Chris Young, reigning New Artist of the Year The Band Perry, two-time Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum and 10-time ACM Award winner Rascal Flatts are scheduled to perform at the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, which will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 1 (8:00 PM-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.  The ceremony, which honors country music’s top talent as well as the industry’s hottest emerging artists, will be co-hosted by Shelton alongside Reba.

These artists join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw.

Blake Shelton returns to co-host the Awards telecast alongside Reba for the second consecutive year.  He is nominated for two awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year, marking his first nomination in the Entertainer of the Year category.  In 2010, Shelton won Vocal Event of the Year for “Hillbilly Bone,” his chart-topping duet with longtime friend Trace Adkins.  Straight off five back-to-back #1 hits, his current single, “Drink On It,” is his fastest-rising single to date and is featured on his GRAMMY® Award-nominated album, Red River Blue.

Chris Young is nominated for two awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year, his first nomination in that category, and Single Record of the Year for “Tomorrow,” the fastest-rising hit of his career.  “Tomorrow,” co-written by Young, is among his five consecutive #1 smashes and the first single off his third studio album, NEON.  The cut raced to the top of the charts and is certified Digital Gold by the RIAA for sales, exceeding 500,000 downloads.

The Band Perry returns to the ACM Awards this year as a first-time Vocal Group of the Year nominee.  In 2011, they were honored with the New Artist of the Year award after the largest fan vote in the category’s history.  On the heels of celebrating a recent two-week #1 with their Gold-certified single, “All Your Life,” Platinum certification of their self-titled Republic Nashville debut album and recent Quadruple-Platinum status for sales of more than four million for their quintessential #1 hit, “If I Die Young,” the excitement only continues for The Band Perry.

Lady Antebellum leads this year’s group nominations with five nods, including Vocal Group of the Year, which they have won for two consecutive years.  They are also nominated for Album of the Year as artists and producers for Own The Night, and for Song of the Year and Video of the Year for “Just A Kiss.” In 2011, they won Album of the Year as artists and producers for Need You Now.

Rascal Flatts has won 10 ACM Awards.  They are nominated for Vocal Group of the Year, an award they have previously won seven times.  In 2007, they were honored with the Academy’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of their commitment to serve others, their generosity of spirit and dedication to helping build the dreams of those in need.  The group’s highly anticipated new studio album CHANGED is out April 3.

The 47th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced for television by dick clark productions.  Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers.  Barry Adelman is producer, and Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

 

RATING: To Be Announced

 

Official CBS Website: http://www.cbs.com/shows/acma/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AcademyOfCountryMusic

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ACMawards

JASON ALDEAN, LUKE BRYAN, KENNY CHESNEY, ERIC CHURCH, TOBY KEITH, MIRANDA LAMBERT AND TIM McGRAW TO PERFORM AT THE “47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS”, TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS SUNDAY, APRIL 1 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Entertainer of the Year nominee Jason Aldean, Album of the Year nominee Luke Bryan, four-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney, rising country music star Eric Church, two-time Male Vocalist of the Year Toby Keith, reigning Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert and 14-time ACM Award winner Tim McGraw are scheduled to perform at the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, co-hosted by Reba and Blake Shelton. The ceremony, which honors country music’s top talent as well as the industry’s hottest emerging artists, will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 1 (8:00 PM-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Jason Aldean is nominated for six awards, including his second consecutive nods for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.  He is nominated for Album of the Year for My Kinda Party, and has nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” featuring Kelly Clarkson.  He is also nominated for Video of the Year for “Tattoos on This Town.”

Luke Bryan is one of the fastest rising stars in country music. He is celebrating success with his Platinum-selling hits “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” and his recent #1 smash, “I Don’t Want This Night to End,” both from his gold-certified third studio album, tailgates & tanlines.  Currently on the road with Jason Aldean’s record-breaking My Kinda Party Tour, Bryan continues to prove why he’s Nashville’s next superstar.

Kenny Chesney is nominated for nine awards, including Entertainer of the Year, a category he has won four times since 2004. He is also nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, a category he has been nominated for 10 times previously.  He is twice nominated for Album of the Year for Hemingway’s Whiskey, as both artist and producer, and also earned double nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year as both artist and producer for “You and Tequila” with Grace Potter.  Chesney is also nominated for Song of the Year for “You and Tequila” with Grace Potter.

Eric Church is nominated for two awards, including Album of the Year and Video of the Year for “Homeboy.”  Church is one of the brightest and boldest stars to emerge in country music in years.  With his third album, CHIEF, topping both the Country and Top 200 Billboard charts in 2011, Church is anything but formulaic.  He continues to make his mark out on the road with his raucous live shows, played for sold out crowds across the country.  Showcasing his hits like his current single, “Springsteen,” the #1 “Drink In My Hand” and Top 20’s “Homeboy” and “Smoke A Little Smoke,” fans can catch Church in 2012 on his arena-headlining The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour.

Toby Keith is nominated for three awards, including Video of the Year for “Red Solo Cup,” an honor he last won in 2003 for “Beer For My Horses.”  He also received a double nomination as artist and producer for Single Record of the Year for “Red Solo Cup.”  Keith has won 10 ACM Awards, including two wins for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year.

Miranda Lambert is nominated for two awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year. If Lambert wins Female Vocalist of the Year, it would be her third consecutive win in that category.  She has won nine ACM Awards, including two wins for both Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year.  Lambert is the only female artist in the Academy’s history to ever win Album of the Year twice, first for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend in 2007 and again for Revolution in 2009.

Tim McGraw has won 14 ACM Awards and has been honored by the Academy with a Career Achievement Award with Faith Hill in 2006.  McGraw has sold more than 40 million units and dominated the charts with 32 #1 singles.  With 7.8 million spins at radio, McGraw was deemed “Artist of the Decade” (2000-2010) by Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems.  His 11th studio album, Emotional Traffic, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Chart, making it his 13th career #1 debut.  This June, McGraw will kick off what is anticipated to be the biggest stadium tour in country music history with his old friend Kenny Chesney.  McGraw is also an accomplished actor, having starred in films such as the Academy Award-nominated blockbuster “The Blind Side” and the critically-acclaimed “Friday Night Lights.”

The 47th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced for television by dick clark productions.  Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers.  Barry Adelman is producer, and Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

 

RATING:  To Be Announced

Official CBS Website:  http://www.cbs.com/shows/acma/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/AcademyOfCountryMusic

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/ACMawards

 

NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE “47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC® AWARDS”, COUNTRY MUSIC’S PARTY OF THE YEAR®, TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS SUNDAY, APRIL 1 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Kenny Chesney Leads with 9 Nominations; Jason Aldean Earns 6 Nominations; Lady Antebellum Receives 5 Nominations; Brad Paisley Gets 4 Nominations;

Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Eli Young Band and Grace Potter Each Earn 3 Nominations

Fans Will Once Again Vote for Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year

Nominations for the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, a star-studded event produced for television by dick clark productions, were announced this morning in a first-ever ACM digital press conference on the Academy’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  The winners will be announced live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 1 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.  As previously announced, Blake Shelton will join forces with country music star Reba to host the show for the second consecutive year.

This morning’s digital press conference began with a video introduction by Reba, followed by nomination announcements from music superstar Lionel Richie, who will be honored in this spring’s CBS special “ACM Presents:  Lionel Richie and Friends,” Beth Behrs of the CBS comedy series “2 Broke Girls,” Nancy O’Dell from “Entertainment Tonight” and television journalist Michael Ausiello from TVLine.com.  The online event culminated with music fans from around the country, who submitted videos naming their favorite artists, announcing nominees Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift for Entertainer of the Year, the Academy’s biggest prize.

For the fifth year, fans will select the winner of the Academy’s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year, and, for the fourth year, the New Artist of the Year category will also be opened up to fan voting.  Nominees for New Artist of the Year were not announced in the press conference today because fan voting for those semi-finalists closes on Monday, Jan. 30 (see below*). The winners of Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year will be announced live during the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS.

Kenny Chesney leads with nine nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, a category he has won four times since 2004.  He is twice nominated for Album of the Year for Hemingway’s Whiskey, as both artist and producer, as well as earning double nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year as both artist and producer for “You And Tequila” with Grace Potter.  Chesney is also nominated for Song of the Year for “You And Tequila” with Grace Potter.

Jason Aldean is nominated for six awards, including his second consecutive nods for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.  He is nominated for Album of the Year for My Kinda Party, and has two nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” featuring Kelly Clarkson.  He is nominated for Video of the Year for “Tattoos On This Town.”

Lady Antebellum is nominated for five awards, including Vocal Group of the Year, which they have won for two consecutive years.  They are also nominated for Album of the Year as artists and producers for Own The Night and for Song of the Year and Video of the Year for “Just A Kiss.”

Brad Paisley is nominated for four awards, including his fifth nomination for Entertainer of the Year and eighth nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year, which he won five times consecutively between 2006 and 2010.  He received two nominations in the Vocal Event of the Year category, for “Old Alabama” with Alabama and “Remind Me” with Carrie Underwood.

Toby Keith received three nominations for “Red Solo Cup,” including Video of the Year, which he last won in 2003 for “Beer For My Horses.”  He received a double nomination as artist and producer for Single Record of the Year.

Reigning Entertainer of the Year Taylor Swift is nominated for three awards, including her third nod for Entertainer of the Year.  Swift is nominated for the fifth time for Female Vocalist of the Year and for the third time for Video of the Year for “Mean.”

First-time ACM nominee Grace Potter received three nominations for “You And Tequila” with Kenny Chesney, in the Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year categories.

Eli Young Band has three nominations, including Vocal Group of the Year, Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Crazy Girl.”

Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Aaron Lewis, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Chris Young all received two nominations each.

Members of the Academy of Country Music select the nominees and winners of the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, including selection of the final top five nominees of the Entertainer of the Year category and the eight semi-finalists in the New Artist of the Year category.  Presenters and performers who will appear at the ceremony will be announced at a later date.

*Fan voting for New Artist of the Year began at VoteACM.com and GACtv.com/ACM on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012 and will close on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012 at 12:00 Noon, ET/9:00 AM, PT, after which nominees in that category will be announced separately.  Fan voting for New Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year begins on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 12:00 Noon, ET/9:00 AM, PT at VoteACM.com.  Fan voting for New Artist of the Year will close at 5:00 PM PT on Sunday, April 1, before the start of the live broadcast, and fan voting for Entertainer of the Year will close during the third hour of the live show.

Following is the list of final nominees. Winners in each of the following categories, except where noted, will be presented with an ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD during the live television broadcast:

 

Entertainer of the Year

•  Jason Aldean
•  Kenny Chesney
•  Brad Paisley
•  Blake Shelton
•  Taylor Swift

 

Male Vocalist of the year

•  Jason Aldean
•  Kenny Chesney
•  Brad Paisley
•  Blake Shelton
•  Chris Young

 

Female Vocalist of the year

•  Sara Evans
•  Miranda Lambert
•  Martina McBride
•  Taylor Swift
•  Carrie Underwood

 

Vocal Duo of the year

•  Love and Theft
•  Montgomery Gentry
•  Steel Magnolia
•  Sugarland
•  Thompson Square

 

Vocal Group OF THE YEAR

•  The Band Perry
•  Eli Young Band
•  Lady Antebellum
•  Rascal Flatts
•  Zac Brown Band

 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

•  Chief – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)

Produced by:  Arturo Buenahora, Jr., Jay Joyce

•  Four The Record – Miranda Lambert (RCA)

Produced by: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf

•  Hemingway’s Whiskey – Kenny Chesney (BNA)

Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney

•  My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean (Broken Bow Records)

Produced by: Michael Knox

•  Own The Night – Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)

Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley

 

Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

•  Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band (Republic Nashville)

Produced by: Mike Wrucke

•  Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow Records)

Produced by: Michael Knox

•  Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith (Show Dog-Universal Music)

Produced by: Toby Keith

•  Tomorrow – Chris Young (RCA)

Produced by: James Stroud

•  You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter (BNA)

Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney

 

Song of the Year [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

•  Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band

Composers: Lee Brice, Liz Rose

Publishers: Cake Taker Music (BMI), Mike Curb Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Sweet Hysteria Music (BMI)

•  Home – Dierks Bentley

Composers: Brett Beavers, Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson

Publishers: Big White Tracks (ASCAP), Chestnut Barn Music (BMI), Chrysalis Music/BMG Rights (ASCAP), Chrysalis One Songs (BMI)

•  Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum

Composers: Dallas Davidson, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott

Publishers:  Dwhaywood Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), EMI Foray Music (SESAC), Hillary Dawn Songs (SESAC), Radiobulletspublishing (BMI), String Stretcher Music (BMI) Warner-Tamberlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)

•  Threaten Me With Heaven – Vince Gill

Composers: Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Dillon O’Brian, Will Owsley

Publishers: Grant Girls Music (ASCAP), Vinny Mae Music (BMI), Willie-O Music (ASCAP)

•  You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter

Composers: Matraca Berg, Deana Carter

Publishers:  Deanaling Music (ASCAP), Hannaberg Music (BMI), Songs of Universal Inc., (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)

 

Video of the Year [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off-Camera Award)

•  Homeboy – Eric Church

Producer: Brandon Arolfo

Director: Peter Zavadil

•  Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum

Producer: Don Lepore

Director: Shawn Silva

•   Mean – Taylor Swift

Producer: Oualid Mouaness

Director: Declan Whitebloom

•  Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith

Producer: Mark Kalbfeld

Director: Michael Salomon

•  Tattoos On This Town – Jason Aldean

Producer: John Burke

Director:  Wes Edwards

 

Vocal Event of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company] *(Off-Camera Award)

•  Country Boy – Aaron Lewis Featuring George Jones and Charlie Daniels (R&J Records)

Produced by: Aaron Lewis, James Stroud

•  Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow Records)

Produced by: Michael Knox

•  Old Alabama – Brad Paisley Featuring Alabama (Arista Nashville)

Produced by:  Frank Rogers

•  Remind Me – Brad Paisley Duet With Carrie Underwood (Arista Nashville)

Produced by:  Frank Rogers

•  You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter (BNA)

Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Awards counts for artists reflect categories in which they have been recognized as individuals or as part of their duo or group.  In some cases, an artist may receive more than one nomination which factors into their official count.  For example, Kenny Chesney received two nominations in the Album of the Year category, one each as artist and producer, because that category recognizes both.

In addition, the Song of the Year category recognizes the artist, composer and publishing company as a nominee but does not recognize an individual as owner or partial owner of the publishing company.

Award recipients in each category are noted above parenthetically in the Album of the Year, Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year.

The 47th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry.  The show is produced for television by dick clark productions. Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers, Barry Adelman is producer, and Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

 

RATING:  To Be Announced

Official CBS Web site:  http://www.cbs.com/shows/acma/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/AcademyOfCountryMusic

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/ACMawards

THE “47TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS®,” HOSTED BY REBA AND BLAKE SHELTON, TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, APRIL 1 ON CBS

The “2nd Annual Fan Jam,” Hosted by Zac Brown Band at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Will Include Performances to be Broadcast Live Via Remote

Lionel Richie Collaborates With Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers and More In “ACM PRESENTS: LIONEL RICHIE AND FRIENDS – A LIFETIME OF HITS” Concert Special to be Taped at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Monday, April 2,

to be Broadcast at a Later Date on CBS

 

CHEAT TWEET: .@Reba and @BlakeShelton host The 47th Annual @ACMAwards 4/1 at 8pm LIVE on #CBS! http://bit.ly/yXyxRf

 

The 47TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, “Country Music’s Party of the Year®” honoring country music’s best and introducing the industry’s hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 1 (8:00-11:00PM live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The show, produced by dick clark productions, will be hosted for the second consecutive year by Reba and Blake Shelton.

In addition, the 2ND ANNUAL ACM FAN JAM, hosted by Zac Brown Band, will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Sunday, April 1. This live remote location gives country music lovers the ultimate fan-pass to be part of the “47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.”  Throughout the three-hour Awards telecast at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, there will be live “ACM Fan Jam” performances, via remote, from the Mandalay Bay Events Center by Zac Brown Band and other top-tier music acts, to be announced at a later date.  The inaugural “ACM Fan Jam” was hosted by Sugarland in 2011.

ACM PRESENTS: LIONEL RICHIE AND FRIENDS – A LIFETIME OF HITS, is an all-star concert special to be taped Monday, April 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to air later on CBS.  This country collaboration with the legendary Lionel Richie, featuring duets from his upcoming album Tuskeegee, will include some of Richie’s greatest hits performed by Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers and many more.  Ticket sales will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, which works to improve lives through music.

Once again, CBS RADIO’s 13 iconic country music stations in major markets across the country will support the CBS Television Network’s broadcast of the ACM Awards through a variety of programming initiatives on-air, online and on-site.

THE 47TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is produced for television by dick clark productions. Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers, Barry Adelman is producer and Bob Bardo is executive in charge of production.  Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.