NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Eric Church and Chris Stapleton lead the nominees for the 51st annual Academy of Country Music Awards with five nominations each, including male vocalist and album of the year.
In nominations announced Monday, Church earned a first-time nod for entertainer of the year, along with Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan – co-hosting the show with Dierks Bentley – and Miranda Lambert. Church also earned nominations for video of the year for “Mr. Misunderstood,” and vocal event of the year for “Raise ‘Em Up” with Keith Urban.
Stapleton earned two nominations for album of the year category for his “Traveller,” as both artist and co-producer. Chris Young, Thomas Rhett and Sam Hunt are also nominated for album of the year. Stapleton, 2015’s breakout country artist with four Grammy nominations, also earned nominations for new male vocalist of the year and vocal event of the year for “Hangover Tonight” with Gary Allan.
Bentley, Aldean and Brett Eldredge also are vying for male vocalist. Lambert, who earned three nominations overall, earned her 10th consecutive nod for female vocalist of the year; she’ll compete against Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini and Jana Kramer.
First-time ACM nominee Cam received four nominations, including new female vocalist and video of the year for “Burning House.” The single also earned Cam a dual nomination for artist and producer in the single record of the year category.