Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean were among those who racked up multiple nominations on Thursday morning (Jan. 26) when the Academy of Country Music announced their nominees for the 2012 ACM Awards.

Chesney dominated categories with his total of nine nods, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for ‘Hemingway’s Whiskey.’ Chesney’s chart-topping duet with Grace Potter, ‘You and Tequila,’ earned the singer a place in the Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year categories.

“It’s an honor to receive so much love from the Academy of Country Music after all they’ve done to support my music over the years,” Chesney said in a statement following news. “I can’t wait to get back on the road and throw one big spring break party all summer long.”

Shelton also heard his name called more than once with his nominations in the Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year categories. The good news comes following a rough week for Shelton after his father’s death.

“The support I have felt this week is overwhelming,” commented Shelton. “Thank you everyone for this honor.”

Lady A lead the pack for groups with five nominations, while Swift did the same for the female nominees with her three nods. Some fresh faces also received the surprise of a lifetime, including the Eli Young Band, who have three nominations — two of which come for their No. 1 hit, ‘Crazy Girl’ (nominated for both Song and Single of the Year).

Eric Church, who has been having an incredible past couple of years with his success, garnered two nods for the ACMs, including Video of the Year for ‘Homeboy’ and Album of the Year for his chart-topping latest record, ‘Chief.’

“I’ve never minced words about the fact that my passion is making great records for the sake of the music,” says Church via a press release. “The fact that the ACMs have nominated us for the album category is quite the honor, and frankly the one I revere the most. ‘Homeboy,’ both musically and visually, is a song that tells a compelling story. I have a very special place in my heart for the video, and  I’m very grateful that it is getting recognized. It’s been one hell of a year!”

Chris Young scored recognition in two categories, including Male Vocalist of the Year. A shocked Young took to his Twitter page upon hearing the news. “Holy crap!!!!!” he wrote. “2 ACM nom’s?!?! Are you freaking kidding me!! #thisisagreatmorning.” He also spoke with Taste of Country about his nomination, saying, “You look at all the people that get nominated. It’s just amazing,”

Dierks Bentley also took to his Twitter account when finding out he was up for Song of the Year for his current single, ‘Home.’ “My immediate reaction after hearing HOME nominated for #acmawards SONG OF YEAR,” Bentley tweeted with a photo of him pretending (we hope!) to smash his guitar in excitement. “Slightly excited… just a bit…”

This year’s awards ceremony is also recognizing the amazing songwriters in country music with their Songwriter of the Year category, which includes the Peach Pickers — Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip — as well as David Lee Murphy and Luke Laird.

The 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards will once again be hosted by Shelton and his pal Reba McEntire. The show will air live on CBS from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, April 1 at 8PM ET.

 

 

 

 

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