The Stars Give Their Perspective On The ACM Award Nominations

After the nominees for the 45th ACM Awards were announced, the stars had a chance to react to the news. The Academy of Country Music announced the nominees for the 45th Annual ACM Awards Tuesday morning.

Lady Antebellum was actually flying out of Las Vegas when they got the big news about their seven ACM nominations, and Charles Kelley can't wait to get back there for the big show in April. He says, "We have really especial memories of winning the New Artist award here a few years ago. I never thought we'd have a bigger night than that. All of this is just unreal." Hillary Scott feels "blessed beyond measure" with all this attention from the ACMs. "[I] am so appreciative of everyone in the country music community for thinking of us," Hillary says. "I'm overwhelmed to say the least."

Kenny Chesney picked up four ACM nominations, including a nod with first-time nominee Dave Matthews in the Vocal Event of the Year category for "I'm Alive." Reflecting on the recognition, Kenny said, "I'm very grateful for all the opportunities the music and the fans have given me. When you put all those things together -- and your peers recognize that work and passion -- well, that's a big part of why these awards and these nominations matter."

Reba McEntire announced the ACM nominees Tuesday morning on the CBS Early Show. Even though she got a nomination of her own in the Top Female Vocalist category, Reba was more excited about Lady Antebellum's nominations. You might remember that Hillary Scott's mom is Reba's "Does He Love You" duet partner Linda Davis, so Reba has literally watched Hillary grow up. In fact, Reba says she and pal Faith Hill freaked out together at last year's CMA Awards when Lady A won Vocal Group of the Year. She says, "We were just like crying like aunts, like proud aunts... We're so proud of Lady A and all the success that they're having."

Blake Shelton was also on hand to read the ACM nominations, and he also got a nod in the Vocal Event category for "Hilbilly Bone." "Oh, I'm thrilled and shocked," says Blake about his nomination. "Biggest year of my life so far."

Miranda Lambert was actually in New York City with some ACM executives when she found out she had six nominations for the ACM Awards, including Album of the Year for Revolution. She says, "It's unbelievable, and I can't thank the country music industry and ACM voters enough for believing in what I do."

Taylor Swift tweeted her feelings on her five ACM nominations: "Getting ready in my room, singing my thoughts. Super annoying new habit of mine. Today it's 'I love ACM nominations. I love ACM nominations."

Lee Ann Womack picked up her 11th career nomination at the ACM Awards in the Top Female Vocalist category. She's glad her peers are still recognizing her brand of country music. Lee Ann says, "It sure is nice to know that my peers respect the music I've been making, and they see the value in what I do."

Billy Currington's hit song "People are Crazy" is up for both Single and Song of the Year at the ACMs this year, and he loved the song from the moment he heard it. "People are Crazy" was written by legendary songwriter Bobby Braddock, best known for penning the George Jones classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today" as well as hits for Blake Shelton and Toby Keith in recent years. Billy tells us he already considered "People are Crazy" a classic just because it came from Bobby.

Top New Solo Artist nominee Chris Young is very excited about a possible ACM win, considering how many other acts were initially eligible for that category. He says, "They showed me the list, and it's like, a couple pages long full of people. So, to be nominated and be in that category is a pretty big deal."

Steel Magnolia was already nominated for the ACM Top New Vocal Duo trophy when the final round of ACM nominees were announced Tuesday morning. That's why it took them a minute to realize they'd also earned a mention in the overall Top Vocal Duo category. The duo's Meghan Linsey says, "We are so grateful to the country music industry and all of our fans for embracing us and our sound. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you and we love you."

Luke Bryan is proud to be nominated in the Top New Solo Artist category at the ACMs this year, and he's urging all his fans to head over and vote from him at VoteACM.com before the deadline on Friday, March 12th. "I'm just hope I win," Luke said, adding, "No, I'm playing, but it's fun that the fans can participate in it too."

Gloriana is up for ACM Top New Vocal Group, and they're counting on their fans to vote for them in the category. The group previously won the fan-voted Breakthrough Award at the American Music Awards last year. Speaking of those country fans, Gloriana's Rachel Reinert tells us, "They're the best type of fans ever in the whole entire world... We always want to be in touch with them."

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