Heidi Newfield and her big summer hit "Johnny & June" scored five Academy of Country Music Award nominations.
Last May I blogged about the former Trick Pony singer when I first heard Newfield's soulful story about a love like Johnny and June, writing: "Heidi Newfield has a great big hit with her new song 'Like Johnny & June.' I heard it on the radio on Saturday for the first time. Even though I had arrived at my destination (the grocery store) I stayed in the car to listen to the entire song. Awesome!"
The usual suspects are up for Entertainer of the Year, only this time they are joined by Carrie Underwood.
When was the last time a female won Entertainer of the Year? The Dixie Chicks won the title in 2000, Shania Twain won in 1999, and Reba took home the honor in 1994. Barbara Mandrell won in 1980, Dolly took the title in 1977, and Loretta Lynn was the first woman to receive the honor in 1975. Country music superstars all, these talented women.
Reba is hosting the big event on April 4.
And the nominees are:
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
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
Record of the Year
Miranda Lambert, "Gunpowder & Lead"
Jamey Johnson, "In Color"
Heidi Newfield, "Johnny & June"
Brad Paisley, "Waitin' on a Woman"
Trace Adkins, "You're Gonna Miss This"
Song of the Year
George Strait, "I Saw God Today"
Jamey Johnson, "In Color"
Heidi Newfield, "Johnny & June"
Brad Paisley, "Waitin' on a Woman"
Trace Adkins, "You're Gonna Miss This"
Video of the Year
Heidi Newfield, "Johnny & June"
Carrie Underwood, "Just a Dream"
Taylor Swift, "Love Story"
George Strait, "Troubadour"
Brad Paisley, "Waitin' on a Woman"
Vocal Event of the Year
Josh Turner feat. Trisha Yearwood, "Another Try"
Brooks & Dunn feat. Reba McEntire, "Cowgirls Don't Cry"
Kenny Chesney with Mac McAnally, "Down the Road"
Sugarland feat. Little Big Town & Jake Owen, "Life in a Northern Town"
Brad Paisley with Keith Urban, "Start a Band"
