Rising country singer Lauren Alaina earned one of the industry's biggest accolades Monday morning with a nomination as Best New Artist from the Country Music Association. The recognition came on ABC's "Good Morning America" with Alaina on set to help announce the finalists.
"I'm really trying not to cry," said the 22-year-old artist, who is known for her emotional responses at awards shows. She added that she hoped her mom and dad were watching.
Others nominated in that category are Luke Combs, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi and Brett Young.
Alaina has been buoyed by the critical and commercial success of her sophomore album, "Road Less Traveled," a collection of 12 deeply personal songs all written by the young star, the Season 10 "American Idol" runner-up. The title track became her first No. 1 single. She also was nominated for New Female Vocalist of the year this spring by the Academy of Country Music.
The CMA Awards nominees are determined by more than 7,800 professional members of the CMA. The awards show will air live from Nashville on Nov. 8.
Among the other nominees announced live on air were:
* Female Vocalist of the Year: Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Maren Morris and Carrie Underwood.
* Male Vocalist of the Year: Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton and Keith Urban.
* Entertainer of the Year: Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Chris Stapleton and Keith Urban.
WUSY US101 personalities Bill "Dex" Poindexter and Melissa "Mo" Turner are nominated for CMA Medium Market Broadcast Personality of the Year for their afternoon "Dex & Mo Show." WUSY is the reigning Medium Market Station of the Year and cannot be in contention for the honor this year.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.