BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP DAZZLES WITH FIERCE PERFORMANCES, PHILANTHROPY & MULTIPLE ACCOLADES DURING ACM AWARDS WEEKEND
 

Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry & Justin Moore Take Home Trophies
 

Nashville, TN  – BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP and the talented artist roster enjoyed an action-packed weekend during the 49^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards weekend in Las Vegas. Dazzling with fierce performances, supporting philanthropic efforts and scoring five trophies, the BMLG artists certainly left a mark in Sin City!

Sibling trio THE BAND PERRY, who took home ACM Vocal Group of the Year, opened the show last night with a passionate performance of their latest single, “Chainsaw.”

ACM Vocal Duo of the Year FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE, who hosted Fan Jam during the awards, sang their fourth consecutive PLATINUM-certified #1 “Stay” and an intense version of “This Is How We Roll,” featuring Luke Bryan and the acrobatic cycling of the Nitro Circus.

The talented pair then passed the fan-voted ACM New Artist of the Year torch down to JUSTIN MOORE, who accepted with a heart-felt speech and performed his Top 15 and rising “Lettin’ The Night Roll.”

After scoring ACM Video of the Year for "Highway Don't Care," a collaboration with TAYLOR SWIFT and Keith Urban, TIM McGRAW surprised the crowd with a new song, “Meanwhile Back At Momma’s,” and a surprise duet partner – wife Faith Hill.

RASCAL FLATTS, who headlined Outnumber Hunger Live! on Friday night during the ACM Party for a Cause Festival, also performed their sexy Top 10-and-rising single “Rewind” at the awards.
 

Following the ACM Awards, Big Machine Label Group artists and staff shared in the weekend’s excitement together. Pictured (L-R): First Row – THE CADILLAC THREE’s Neil Mason, Kelby Ray, Jaren Johnston, ELI YOUNG BAND’s Jon Jones, Mike Eli, Chris Thompson, James Young; Second Row – BMLG’s NIKKI BURNS, RASCAL FLATTS’ Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox, MOTLEY CRUE’s Vince Neil, TIM McGRAW, BMLG’s SCOTT BORCHETTA, ACM New Artist of the Year JUSTIN MOORE, RAELYNN, DANIELLE BRADBERY, RASCAL FLATTS’ Jay DeMarcus, ACM Vocal Group of the Year THE BAND PERRY’s Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry; Third Row – BMLG’s JAKE BASDEN, JACK PURCELL, MANDY McCORMACK, JOHN ZARLING, MATTHEW HARGIS, AMY STALEY, SANDI SPIKA BORCHETTA, ANDREW KAUTZ, KELLY RICH, LOIS WHITE, CHRIS STACEY, JACKIE CAMPBELL, MIKE MOLINAR, ALEX HEDDLE, JIMMY HARNEN, ALLISON JONES, RAY PRONTO, ACM Vocal Group of the Year THE BAND PERRY’s Reid Perry

 

Pictured (L-R): ACM New Artist of the Year JUSTIN MOORE, ACM Video of the Year winner TIM McGRAW and BMLG President/CEO SCOTT BORCHETTA happily share a moment after the show and congratulate each other on their wins.




ACM Vocal Group of the Year THE BAND PERRY celebrate their win and performance.
Pictured (L-R): ACM Vocal Group of the Year THE BAND PERRY’s Neil Perry, Republic Nashville President/BMLG EVP JIMMY HARNEN, THE BAND PERRY’s Kimberly Perry, BMLG President/CEO SCOTT BORCHETTA and THE BAND PERRY’s Reid Perry

Several BMLG artists kicked off the weekend at LINQ, with performances at Outnumber Hunger Live! during the ACM Party for a Cause festival to raise awareness about the serious epidemic. In it’s third year, Outnumber Hunger has secured over 25 million meals for local food banks across the country through an initiative with Big Machine Label Group, General Mills and Feeding America. Pictured (L-R): THOMAS RHETT, THE CADILLAC THREE’s Kelby Ray, ACM New Artist of the Year JUSTIN MOORE, CASSADEE POPE, DANIELLE BRADBERY, RAELYNN, THE CADILLAC THREE’s Jaren Johnston and Neil Mason, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE’s Tyler Hubbard, BMLG President/CEO SCOTT BORCHETTA and FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE’s Brian Kelley
 

All Images Courtesy of Getty for ACM and BMLG

Lee Brice nominated for "New Male Vocalist"
by The Academy of Country Music

Interactive fan voting currently

Nashville, Tenn. () – Award-winning singer/songwriter Lee Brice has been honored with a nomination for “New Male Vocalist” by The Academy of Country Music.  For the fifth year in a row, fans can voice their choice at VoteACM.com or GACtv.com/ACM.    Lee’s current single, the poignant “I Drive Your Truck” is his fastest charting single to date.  After only two weeks of airplay, the song quickly landed in Billboard's Top 30 and currently sits at #16.  The New York Times described it as "an electric, overpowering song…Mr. Brice sang it vigorously."  Lee’s brother, Lewis, plays the lead role in the heart-rending video for the song.

The moving single comes on the heels of his two consecutive platinum number one hits, “A Woman Like You” and “Hard 2 Love”, both of which were named in Billboard’s “Top 50 Country Songs of 2012” and are included on his current sophomore release HARD 2 LOVE (Curb Records). The collection was named one of The New York Times' Top 10 Albums of 2012 and honored by iTunes as part of its Best of 2012 feature as the “Top Breakthrough Country Album of the Year”.

The 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be televised LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 8:00 PM ET.

Click here to vote: www.voteacm.com

About Lee Brice:
South Carolina native, Lee Brice’s platinum certified “Hard To Love” is the second consecutive number one single off his sophomore album on Curb Records by the same name. Its lead single “A Woman Like You” set the pace, earning platinum certification and chart-topping status. Brice’s previous studio album LOVE LIKE CRAZY’s title track spawned Billboard’s most played country song of 2010 and it still holds the record for the longest-charting song in the history of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Billboard again recognized Brice as a songwriter for the most played country song of 2011, “Crazy Girl,” which also earned him a 2012 ACM Award for "Song Of The Year." Brice’s name can be found in the writing credits for additional hits recorded by country stars including Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton and more. Garth Brooks' "More Than A Memory," which Brice co- wrote, became the first song on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart to debut at number one.

For more information on Lee Brice, visit www.leebrice.com

Bobby Braddock, Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Gayle Holcomb, Alan Jackson, Roger Miller, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs and Dwight Yoakam Announced as Off-Camera Winners for the 47th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards

Special Awards, Industry Awards, MBI Honorees and Songwriter of the Year Will Be Feted at 6th Annual ACM Honors Event Held on September 24, 2012 in Nashville

PR Newswire

ENCINO, Calif., March 21, 2012

ENCINO, Calif., March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Academy of Country Music is announcing the winners of awards that will not be televised during the live telecast of the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, telecast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network, due to time constraints.   Special Awards, Industry Awards, MBI (Musician, Bandleader, Instrumentalist) and Songwriter of the Year honorees will be feted at the 6th Annual ACM Honors event on September 24, 2012 in Nashville.
The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and are awarded during years where the Board of Directors feels there are clear and deserving candidates. Industry Awards are voted on by professional members of the Academy. The MBI ballot is voted on by professional members of the Academy classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist category, and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager sub-category (contained within the Affiliated category).  The Songwriter of the Year ballot is voted on by professional members of the Academy in the following categories; Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist, Composer, Music Publisher/PRO, Record Company, and the Producer/Engineer/Studio Manager subcategory (contained within the Affiliated category).
SPECIAL AWARDS
Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award

Emmylou Harris , Billy Sherrill , Ricky Skaggs and Dwight Yoakam have been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre. 
Emmylou Harris brought a graceful delivery, beautiful harmonies and a wealth of exceptional material to her career in country music. Harris was discovered at a nightclub in Washington D.C., then provided her signature vocals to Gram Parsons' seminal recordings. On her own, she arrived on the country charts in 1975. Over the next decade, she racked up 21 Top 10 singles, including five No. 1 hits. The Trio album with talented friends Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt earned the 1987 ACM Award for Album of the Year. Harris was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Billy Sherrill produced many of country's most famous names and wrote numerous classics throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The Alabama native joined Epic Records in 1964, where his credits as both a producer and songwriter included David Houston's "Almost Persuaded," Charlie Rich's "The Most Beautiful Girl" and Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man." He also served as a producer on George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (which earned Sherrill an ACM Award for Producer of the Year), as well as Johnny Paycheck's "She's All I Got" and Tanya Tucker's "Delta Dawn." He joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
Ricky Skaggs energized country music in the 1980s by taking his traditional sound in a lively new direction. Over that decade, the Kentucky native charted 19 Top 10 singles, including 11 No. 1 hits. Rather than writing his material, he gathered first-rate songs by the likes of Guy Clark, Bill Monroe, Webb Pierce, Mel Tillis and Cindy Walker. He was named the ACM's 1981 Top New Male Vocalist and received five ACM Awards for Touring Band of the Year. Since that time, Skaggs has focused on bluegrass music and now leads one of the most respected ensembles in the genre.
Dwight Yoakam captured the imagination of traditionalists and new listeners alike by giving hillbilly music a modern twist. Born in Kentucky but based in Los Angeles, Yoakam debuted with a twangy cover of Johnny Horton's "Honky Tonk Man," which led him to the ACM's 1986 Top New Male Vocalist trophy. In all, Yoakam landed 14 Top 10 hits – some he wrote ("I Sang Dixie") and others he revived (Elvis Presley's "Little Sister"). Along with acclaimed albums and music videos, Yoakam proudly partnered with Buck Owens on the endearing 1988 duet, "Streets of Bakersfield." He remains active in music and film.
Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama , Garth Brooks , Johnny Cash , Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Merle Haggard, George Jones , Brenda Lee , Loretta Lynn , Willie Nelson , The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton , Charley Pride , Jerry Reed , Tex Ritter , Marty Robbins , Kenny Rogers, Mel Tillis , Randy Travis , Conway Twitty , Porter Wagoner , Hank Williams, Sr ., Hank Williams Jr. and Bob Wills , among others.
Crystal Milestone Award
Kenny Chesney , four-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, has sold more than 10,500,000 tickets on his 11 national tours, selling out stadiums across the country. His successful shows have promoted the entire genre to delighted fans while helping other country acts and cross-over artists gain exposure nationwide. The Academy is honoring Kenny for this remarkable achievement.
Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Award include Garth Brooks and Jennifer Nettles . 
Career Achievement Award

Vince Gill has been chosen to receive the Career Achievement Award, which is presented to an individual artist, duo, group or multiple artist collaboration who have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in the entertainment industry in multiple areas during the preceding calendar year.
Vince Gill returned to the country scene in 2011 with an appealing new album, Guitar Slinger, and the enthusiastic response proved that he had been missed. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean proclaimed an official Vince Gill Week in conjunction with the album's release. Gill also served as Grand Marshal of Nashville's Christmas parade. In addition, Gill and wife Amy Grant graced the cover of Good Housekeeping, while Sting shared the stage with him on an acclaimed CMT Crossroads. Meanwhile, the Country Music Hall of Fame member appeared on multiple talk shows and earned a Grammy nod for "Threaten Me With Heaven."
Past recipients of the Career Achievement Award include John Anderson , Faith Hill , Tim McGraw , Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins , Reba and Kenny Rogers .
Jim Reeves International Award

Alan Jackson has been chosen to receive the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world. 
Alan Jackson 's down-home music and laidback personality has translated well internationally. He played for eager audiences in Sweden and Norway in August 2011, brought back by popular demand following his 2009 shows. Jackson's album, Good Time, has also earned platinum sales in Norway. Jackson also toured Australia for the first time in March 2011. He'll play four arena shows in Canada in April 2012, as well as a summer concert at the Craven Country Jamboree in Saskatchewan. Jackson won his first ACM Award as 1990's Top New Male Vocalist, an honor that coincided with career-building tour dates in the UK and Germany.
Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks , Dick Clark , Roy Clark , Merv Griffin, Charlie Nagatani , Buck Owens , Dolly Parton , Taylor Swift and Keith Urban , among others. 
Mae Boren Axton Award

Gayle Holcomb has been chosen as the recipient of the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.
Gayle Holcomb , a country music industry leader at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, has served as an Academy of Country Music board member for 17 years and five years as ACM chairman.  During her tenure as chair, Holcomb was a driving force for the organization's rapid change and growth, including moving the Awards show from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in 2003.  Holcomb helped launch ACM Lifting Lives in 2005, guiding the vision for the charity as it got underway initially, and continuing her support of the organization by becoming chairman.  She made the initial endowment to form the ACM Lifting Lives' Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, in honor of her mother, to enable the Fund to respond quickly to unforeseen, immediate financial needs of ACM members, staff and members of the country music community.
Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include John Dorris , Rod Essig , Jack Lameier , Marge Meoli , Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts , Gene Weed and David Young .
Poet's Award

Bobby Braddock and Roger Miller have been selected to receive the Poet's Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music.
Bobby Braddock is a master storyteller with more than 40 years of songwriting success. A Florida native, Braddock moved to Nashville in 1964 and worked for a time as Marty Robbins' piano player. His classic cuts include Tammy Wynette's divine "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" and George Jones' iconic (and ACM Award-winning) "He Stopped Loving Her Today," as well as the famous couple's enduring duet, "Golden Ring." Braddock also earned ACM nominations as a songwriter for Tracy Lawrence's "Time Marches On," Toby Keith's "I Wanna Talk About Me" and Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy." He joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
Roger Miller charmed listeners with characteristic wit on classics like "King of the Road" and "Dang Me." Miller, an Oklahoma native, grabbed early songwriting success with Ray Price's "Invitation to the Blues." In 1985, he earned acclaim for writing the score of the musical Big River . To honor his brilliant career, he received the 1987 ACM Pioneer Award. Miller died in 1992 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1995. Contemporary stars like Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson have kept his legacy alive with terrific renditions of "Husbands and Wives" and "Tall, Tall Trees," respectively.
Previous recipients of the Poet's Award include Bill Anderson , Hank Cochran , Merle Haggard , Tom T. Hall , Harlan Howard , Fred Rose , Don Schlitz and Cindy Walker .
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR – Dallas Davidson

INDUSTRY AWARDS
CASINO OF THE YEAR – Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR – Jimmy Jay – Jayson Promotions, Inc.
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR – Billy Bob's Texas – Ft. Worth, TX
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR – Brian O'Connell – Live Nation
VENUE OF THE YEAR – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
MBI (MUSICIANS, BAND, INSTRUMENTAL) AWARDS:
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – Frank Liddell
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR – Justin Niebank
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Michael Rhodes
PERCUSSIONIST/DRUMMER OF THE YEAR – Shannon Forrest
GUITARIST OF THE YEAR – Kenny Greenberg
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Stuart Duncan
PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR – John Hobbs
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Aubrey Haynie
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Paul Franklin
About the Academy of Country Music Awards
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 and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.  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.  For more information, please visit www.acmcountry.com.

SOURCE Academy of Country Music

ERIC CHURCH GARNERS ACM NOMINATIONS FOR ALBUM OF THE YEAR AND VIDEO OF THE YEAR

 

Blood, Sweat & Beers Arena Tour Sets First Week Venue Records

 

Nashville, Tenn. (Thursday, January 26, 2012) – Eric Church surprised fans at the 2011 ACM Awards with his Awards show performance debut of his hit “Smoke A Little Smoke” from the RIAA Certified Gold sophomore release, Carolina.  Many speculated it was the start of incredible things to come for the EMI Records Nashville singer, and they were right.  Additional milestones soon followed: No. 1 album debut on the Top 200 Billboard charts with CHIEF, his first-ever GRAMMY nomination for Album of the Year, his first No. 1 single with “Drink In My Hand,” which was recently RIAA Certified Gold, and now, his first industry-voted ACM nominations for Album of The Year for CHIEF and Video of The Year for "Homeboy."

 

"I've never minced words about the fact that my passion is making great records for the sake of the music," says Church.  "The fact that the ACM's 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!"

 

Turning heads out on his first-ever headlining arena tour, Eric Church: The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour, Church is seemingly on fire right now when it comes to inching closer to achieving sought-after megastar success.  He set venue records in Southaven, MS over the weekend with a record attendance for a show in that arena – beating a record previously set with his performance alongside Jason Aldean. After witnessing his live show, the Los Angeles Times said, “Vehement… propelled further still by the voices of his fans singing along.” Followed by the Oakland Tribune who said, “[Church is] arguably the hottest artist in country these days… this guy’s a major talent and soon to be one of country’s premier stars.”

 

To purchase tickets for Eric Church: The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour, which includes special guest Brantley Gilbert, visit www.ericchurch.com. VIP Packages are also available for fans that want to experience an up-close, exclusive backstage acoustic concert.

 

The ACM Awards winner for the Album of the Year and Video of The Year categories will be announced LIVE on CBS on Sunday, April 1 at 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET.

 

For more information on Eric Church, visit his official website at http://www.ericchurch.com.

ACM Awards winners.....

Winners Announced For The 46th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

 Winners have been announced for the 46th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, a star-studded ceremony broadcast LIVE Sunday on the CBS Television Network from MGM GRAND in Las Vegas. Fans named Taylor Swift Entertainer of the Year, the evening's biggest honor. This is the first year that Taylor Swift has been named Entertainer of the Year. This year marked a record breaking year with nearly 600,000 fans casting their vote for Entertainer of the Year, making it the largest vote ever for this category.
Swift is the eighth and youngest female to take the award in the 40 year history of this category; previous winners include Loretta Lynn in 1975, Dolly Parton in 1977, Barbara Mandrell in 1980, Reba McEntire in 1994, Shania Twain in 1999, The Dixie Chicks in 2000 and Carrie Underwood in 2008 & 2009.
Miranda Lambert won Female Vocalist of the Year and Brad Paisley won Male Vocalist of the Year. This is Lambert's second consecutive win as Female Vocalist of the Year and Paisley's fifth consecutive win as Male Vocalist of the Year. Lambert won four awards during tonight's telecast, making her the night's top winner. Sugarland won Vocal Duo of the Year; the group who headlined the first-ever ACM Fan Jam tonight accepted their award from the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Lady Antebellum won Vocal Group of the Year; the group's second consecutive win in this category.
The Band Perry was honored as New Artist of the Year in tonight's broadcast. Nearly 155,000 fans casted their online and text votes for the New Artist of the Year category, making it the largest fan vote for this category.
Tonight, the Academy of Country Music sold-out two of the largest arenas in Las Vegas, the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, and the Mandalay Bay Events Center for the inaugural ACM Fan Jam.
Following is the list of winners in the 14 categories voted on by the membership (excluding the Entertainer of the Year and New Artist categories, which were voted on by a combination of professional ACM members and fans):
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Taylor Swift

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Brad Paisley

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Miranda Lambert

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

Sugarland

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Lady Antebellum

NEW SOLO VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (Previously Announced)

Eric Church

NEW VOCAL DUO or GROUP OF THE YEAR (Previously Announced)

The Band Perry

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

The Band Perry

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

	Need You Now - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
	Produced by:  Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley

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

	The House That Built Me - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
	Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke

SONG OF THE YEAR [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

	The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
	Composers:  Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
	Publishers:  Built On Rock (ASCAP), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Tomdouglasmusic (BMI)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award)

	The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
	Producer:  Trent Hardville
	Director:  Trey Fanjoy

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company] * (Off Camera Award)

	As She's Walking Away – Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson (Southern Ground / Roar / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
	Produced by: Zac Brown, Keith Stegall

FAST FACTS ON THIS YEAR'S AWARDS :

• This is Reba's 13th year hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards and Blake Shelton's first.
• Brad Paisley is the only artist to win three or more consecutive honors in the Male Vocalist of the Year category; this is Paisley's fifth consecutive win.
• Miranda Lambert won four awards tonight in the categories of Female Vocalist of the Year, Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year.
• Lady Antebellum won three awards tonight in the categories of Album of the Year (both as artists and producers) and Vocal Group of the Year. This is the group's first win in the Album of the Year category. The group previously won Vocal Group of the Year during the 2010 telecast.
• As previously announced, Entertainer of the Year winner Taylor Swift will be presented with the Jim Reeves International Award at ACM Honors, a special event held annually in the fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium. This ACM Special Award is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.  

For a complete list of past and present wins and nominations, please visit www.acmcountry.com and search the ACM Awards Database located on the Homepage.

Non-televised ACM winners announced.

Today the Academy of Country Music is announcing the winners of awards that will not be televised during the live telecast of the 46th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS. The ceremony, which honors country music's top talent as well as the industry's hottest emerging artists, is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.  
The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and are awarded during years where the Board of Directors feels there are clear and deserving candidates. Industry Awards are voted on by professional members of the Academy. The MBI ballot is voted on by professional members of the Academy classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist category, and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager sub-category (contained within the Affiliated category). Special Awards, Industry Awards and MBI Awards are presented to recipients at ACM Honors, a special event held annually in the fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Career Achievement Award
Reba has been chosen to receive the Career Achievement Award, which is presented to an individual artist, duo, group or multiple artist collaboration who have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in the entertainment industry in multiple areas during the preceding calendar year.
Reba is still going strong in the third decade of a magnificent career and continues to thrive in country music with her winning formula of expressive singing, well-chosen songs and approachable charm. A previous winner in the Entertainer of the Year category, she has won the ACM Female Vocalist award seven times, the most of any artist. In addition, this is her 13th year to host the ACM Awards. Along with actively pursuing opportunities on Broadway, television, film and fashion, Reba remains one of the best-selling country artists in history, with record sales approaching 57 million.
Past recipients of the Career Achievement Award include John Anderson , Faith Hill , Tim McGraw , Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins and Kenny Rogers .
Jim Reeves International Award
Taylor Swift has been chosen to receive the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.
Taylor Swift has encouraged fans around the world to discover country music. In addition to multiple gold and platinum awards from dozens of countries, Swift has already performed numerous dates in Europe and Asia this year. She is the top-certified artist for digital singles in the last decade. Her multi-platinum certifications include "Love Story," "You Belong With Me," "Teardrops on My Guitar" and "Our Song." Swift will embark on an extensive North American tour in May. Her latest album, Speak Now has sold more than three million copies since its release late last year.
Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks , Dick Clark , Roy Clark , Merv Griffin , Charlie Nagatani , Buck Owens , Dolly Parton and Keith Urban , among others.
Tex Ritter Award
Country Strong has been chosen as the recipient of the Tex Ritter Award, which is given to a movie released and/or receiving major exposure during the preceding calendar year, featuring or utilizing country music.
Country Strong (Produced by Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Entertainment.) is a drama film starring Oscar® winner Gwyneth Paltrow as a country superstar staging a comeback, while two-time ACM male vocalist winner Tim McGraw played her husband and manager. Meanwhile, rising stars Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester portrayed the challenges and rewards of building a career as a performing songwriter. The accompanying soundtrack featured strong performances by the film's four leading characters, along with country stars like Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Ronnie Dunn, Patty Loveless, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack and Chris Young.
Past recipients of the Tex Ritter Award include Beer For My Horses , The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas , Crazy Heart , O Brother, Where Art Thou , Sweet Dreams and Walk the Line , among others.
Mae Boren Axton Award
John Dorris has been chosen as the recipient of the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.
John Dorris launched Hallmark Direction Company in 1983 with Don Williams as his first client. Since then, Dorris has worked with numerous country artists, including ACM winners Montgomery Gentry and Blake Shelton. Prior to that enterprise, he established himself at one of Nashville's most successful independent record labels and publishing companies, Monument Records and Combine Music Publishing, aiding the careers of artists like Roy Orbison, Kris Kristofferson, Larry Gatlin, Billy Joe Shaver, Billy Swan and others. A champion of songwriters as well as an expert in tax accounting, he currently serves on the ACM Board of Directors as Treasurer.
Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include Rod Essig , Jack Lameier , Marge Meoli , Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Gene Weed and David Young.
Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
Garth Brooks and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers have been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.
Garth Brooks combined an electrifying stage presence with exceptional catalog of songs to become a true country music superstar. Twenty years ago, Brooks conquered the ACM Awards with trophies for Album (No Fences), Single, Song and Video ("The Dance"), Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the year. A six-time winner in that top category, the Oklahoma native was named the ACM's Artist of the Decade for the 1990s, while his ambitious concerts raised the bar for live shows across all genres. With 128 million albums sold, Brooks has earned 19 No. 1 hits, including the iconic "Friends in Low Places."
The close family harmonies of Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers gave this trio a signature sound that led to country classics like "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)." They won a GRAMMY® for their 1976 breakthrough hit, "Broken Lady," and reached No. 1 with "I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love" two years later. Along with five career nominations for the ACM Vocal Group, the Gatlin Brothers picked up three 1979 trophies – Single ("All the Gold in California"), Album (Straight Ahead) and Male Vocalist for Larry Gatlin, also a talented songwriter who composed all of their singles.
Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama , Johnny Cash , Charlie Daniels , Merle Haggard , George Jones , Brenda Lee , Loretta Lynn , Willie Nelson , The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton , Charley Pride , Jerry Reed , Tex Ritter , Marty Robbins , Kenny Rogers , Mel Tillis , Randy Travis , Conway Twitty , Porter Wagoner , Hank Williams, Sr ., Hank Williams Jr . and Bob Wills , among others.
Poet's Award
Tom T. Hall and Hank Cochran have been selected to receive the Poet's Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music.
Tom T. Hall With a keen eye on ordinary people, Tom T. Hall has created an extraordinary body of music. His detailed, yet plainspoken, songs have earned him his nickname of "The Storyteller." With a background in local radio and a stint in the Army, the Kentucky native moved to Nashville in 1964. His substantial catalog includes Jeannie C. Riley's "Harper Valley P.T.A." and Alan Jackson's "Little Bitty," as well as 21 of his own Top 10 hits, such as "I Love" and "Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine." He and his wife, Dixie, continue to write for numerous bluegrass artists.
Hank Cochran (1935-2010) A beloved Nashville songwriter for 50 years, Hank Cochran landed memorable cuts with countless classic country artists. The Mississippi native established himself in the 1960s with hits for Eddy Arnold ("Make the World Go Away") and Cline ("She's Got You," "I Fall to Pieces"), among many others. Merle Haggard landed a No. 1 single with "It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)" while Strait scored instant classics with "The Chair" and "Ocean Front Property." Other favorites from his catalog include Vern Gosdin's "Set 'Em Up Joe" and Keith Whitley's "Miami, My Amy." Cochran died on July 15, 2010.
Previous recipients of the Poet's Award include Bill Anderson , Merle Haggard , Harlan Howard and Fred Rose , Don Schlitz and Cindy Walker .
INDUSTRY AWARDS
CASINO OF THE YEAR - Mohegan Sun Casino - Uncasville, CT
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR - Steve "Bogie" Bogdanovich - Romeo Entertainment Group
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR - Joe's Bar - Chicago, IL
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR - Sally Williams - Ryman Auditorium
VENUE OF THE YEAR - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
MBI (MUSICIANS, BAND, INSTRUMENTAL) AWARDS:
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR - Paul Worley
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR  - Chuck Ainlay
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR  - Glenn Worf
PERCUSSIONIST/DRUMMER OF THE YEAR - Eddie Bayers
GUITARIST OF THE YEAR - Tom Bukovac
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Aubrey Haynie
PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Gordon Mote
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Bryan Sutton
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Dan Dugmore
About the Academy of Country Music Awards
The 46th 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 and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.  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.  For more information, please visit www.acmcountry.com.
SOURCE Academy of Country Music

Lee Brice gets ACM nom, coming to Sparta

LEE BRICE REACTS TO ACM AWARD SHOW NOMINATIONS
 

Nashville, TN (February 1, 2011) – Country music star Lee Brice is off to a good start in 2011 after wrapping up January with a stretch of sold out shows and receiving 3 nominations for the 46^thAnnual Academy of Country Music Awards.

“Wow!  What a way to start the day!  I’m out on the west coast deep in dreamland and my hotel phone starts ringing at 5:30am and it’s my manager screaming ‘Wake Up! We got 3 ACM Nominations!’ I grinned from ear to ear,” Brice explains about hearing the good news, “It’s such an honor just to be nominated and such a boost personally after putting so much time and work into this.”

Brice’s nominations include Song of the Year for “Love Like Crazy” and as both an artist and producer for Single Record of the Year for “Love Like Crazy.”  This is the first year that Brice has been nominated for the ACM Awards.  The nominated single was written by Tim James and Doug Johnson, who also produced the track.

“Love Like Crazy” is the title track off of Brice’s debut album and was recently named Billboard’s #1 country song of 2010.  It currently holds the record for the longest charting song in the history of Billboard’s Hot Country songs chart.

For more information on Lee Brice, visit www.leebrice.com.

George Strait get 82nd ACM nomination

GEORGE STRAIT SCORES 82ND CAREER ACM NOMINATION

February 2, 2011 (Nashville, TN) King George consistently proves why he’s the King of Country and he’s continuing the tradition this year.  It was announced yesterday that Strait scored his 82nd career ACM nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year, a category he’s won six times and been nominated for 18 times.

 

“I never get tired of hearing my name in these announcements,” says Strait.  “I’m thankful to the fans and the ACM.”

 

Nominees were announced at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville yesterday.  On April 3rd, Blake Shelton will join forces with country music star Reba to host the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards live from Las Vegas on CBS at 7:00 pm central.

 

With a career spanning more than 30 years, George Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (57 to date inclusive of all charts).  He has sold nearly 69 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley.

 

Strait’s CD Twang debuted at #1 on The Billboard 200 chart and the Top Country Albums chart.  This is the fourth time in Strait's career that a new release has debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart.  His current single is “The Breath You Take.”

 

Strait’s currently touring the country with Reba and Lee Ann Womack in tow.  For tour dates or more information, visit www.georgestrait.com.

 

Colt Ford garners ACM nomination

 

 

Nashville, Tenn. (Tuesday, February 1, 2011) – Upon hearing the news of his first ever ACM Awards nomination in the Vocal Event of the Year category for his collaborative single, “Cold Beer,” with friend Jamey Johnson, Average Joe’s Entertainment’s Colt Ford had anything but an ‘average’ reaction.

“I never dreamed I would get a nomination for anything,” said Ford in response to the news.  “I just wanted to make a good song with my friend Jamey.  I am so humbled to even be mentioned with the amazing artists in this category.  I promise no one is more grateful than me!”

Ford is best known for his on-stage antics that have Pollstar heralding him “country’s newest rising star” raving, “Colt’s show isn’t a gimmick; he’s not putting on a persona and there are no flying monkeys.” 

Ford has had huge success on his independent label, Average Joe's Entertainment, spawning two studio albums--Ride Through The Country (2008) and Chicken and Biscuits (2010)--both which have gone on to sell over 370,000 copies and 470,000 downloaded tracks collectively. It has been the success of those albums that has helped lay the foundation for a now thriving record label home to Josh Gracin, Brantley Gilbert, Corey Smith and more. 

 

Nominated single, "Cold Beer," is featured on Ride Through The Country, and was produced by Shannon Houchins, Jared Scuillo, and Justin Spillner.

For more information or a list of upcoming appearances, please visit www.coltford.com. 

Sugarland Invites Fans to be Part of the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the First-Ever 'ACM Fan Jam'

LIVE REMOTE LOCATION GIVES COUNTRY MUSIC LOVERS THE ULTIMATE FAN-PASS TO BE PART OF THE 46th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2011 ON CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Tickets On Sale Wednesday, January 19th for All ACM Events: 46th Annual ACM Awards, ACM Fan Jam & Girls' Night Out: Superstar Women of Country taping

PR Newswire

ENCINO, Calif., Jan. 17, 2011

ENCINO, Calif., Jan. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions announced today that country superduo Sugarland will headline the first-ever ACM Fan Jam, a fans-only live concert event taking place in Las Vegas during and after the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.  The Academy is also announcing details for tickets-on-sale for all ACM events during The Week Vegas Goes Country® in 2011.
The ACM Fan Jam will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, during and after the ACM Awards from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and will give fans the ultimate opportunity to be part of the LIVE telecast. Throughout the three-hour live show from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, there will be performances from the Mandalay Bay Events Center by Sugarland and other top-tier music acts, to be announced at a later date.  Tickets for the ACM Fan Jam will go on sale Wednesday, priced at $35 and $55.
"We sell out our Awards show tickets within minutes of going on sale, every year," explains Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. "With Sugarland's help, the Academy is answering the demand of more and better access to the Awards show with the Fan Jam, with a family-friendly ticket price and a promise that this experience will be like no other in ACM Awards history."
"I am wound up about the ACM Fan Jam," said Jennifer Nettles. "It's going to be like hosting our own ACM party for the fans. They'll get to see the show AND have their own private show in the same evening! It's like having your biscuit and eating it too, all in one big jar of Fan Jam!"
The ACM Fan Jam will include three LIVE remotes into the 46th Annual ACM Awards telecast—one for each hour of the show—and will also include a profusion of entertainment, including live performances by upcoming country music acts, prizes and special giveaways only for attendees, such as autographed guitars, trip packages to country music events and merchandise.  Fans at the ACM Awards wear cocktail or dressy attire, but at the Fan Jam, concert attire is key because the night continues with many more live performances and appearances after the Awards' taping ends.
"This is the ultimate fan experience and we couldn't be happier that Sugarland is kicking it off!  We'll have cameras there bringing all of the action to millions of viewers on CBS," said Orly Adelson, President of dick clark productions and Executive Producer of the Awards.
Tickets for ALL Academy of Country Music events in April will be on sale beginning Wednesday, January 19th at 10:00 AM PST at Ticketmaster.com including 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, ACM Fan Jam on Sunday April 3, 2011 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, and Girls' Night Out:  Superstar Women of Country taping on Monday, April 4, 2011 featuring an A-list cast in tribute performances to country music's most amazing female performers.
For more information on Sugarland, please visit sugarlandmusic.com. You can also follow them on Twitter (@Sugarlandmusic) for up-to-the-minute information on the ACM Fan Jam and their 2011 Incredible Machine Tour.
For more information on the ACM Awards, visit ACMcountry.com or follow us on Twitter at @ACMawards for more immediate updates!

Dr Pepper and Lady Antebellum Team up to Give Fans an Unrivaled Experience at the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards

Dr Pepper Continues its Support of the Academy of Country Music

Dr Pepper has partnered with hit country music group Lady Antebellum to give one lucky fan an unrivaled experience at the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) in Las Vegas this April. The winner and a guest will receive a complete country music weekend with tickets to the awards show, passes to the post-awards ACM All-Star Jam and entry to a special Dr Pepper private concert with Lady Antebellum. Now through March 17, fans can enter online at DrPepper.com for their chance to win.
"We look forward to another great year of country music with the Academy and the award-winning group, Lady Antebellum," said Dave Fleming, director of marketing for Dr Pepper. "Country music and Dr Pepper enjoy a tremendously loyal fan base, and we are excited to bring this unique access to one lucky fan."
Dr Pepper has supported the Academy of Country Music for more than a decade, and this year has partnered with chart-topping recording group, Lady Antebellum. The group will perform at the Dr Pepper private concert, and will be featured on product packaging, in-store displays and the DrPepper.com website.
"We look forward to ACM Awards every year because country music fans take over Vegas for the entire weekend," said Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum. "Dr Pepper will give a lucky fan the ultimate prize – a chance to experience the ACM Awards from behind-the-scenes."
Log on to DrPepper.com for full contest rules. No purchase is necessary. Entries must be received by March 17, 2011 to be eligible. The 46th Academy of Country Music Awards show airs on April 3, 2011 on CBS.
About Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper, a brand of Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS), is the oldest major soft drink in the United States.  Since 1885, the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper have earned legions of fans that enjoy its unique, refreshing taste.  The brand is available in Regular, Diet, Caffeine Free and Cherry varieties. DPS is a leading producer of flavored soft drinks, marketing Dr Pepper and 50-plus other beverage brands across North America and the Caribbean.  For more information on Dr Pepper, visit www.drpepper.com or www.drpeppersnapple.com.
About the Academy of Country Music Awards
The 46th 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 and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.  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.  For more information, please visit www.acmcountry.com.