Academy of Country Music announces ACM Award nominees

Dierks Bentley announced the ACM Award nominees this morning live on CBS This Morning.  The ACM Awards will be held on April 3rd, live from Las Vegas, at 8:00 PM on CBS.  Dierks Bentley will be hosting with Luke Bryan.  Here is the list of the nominees:

Blake Shelton Sizzles Live in Corbin

Blake Shelton - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Sunday night was sizzling in Corbin, Kentucky at the Arena with Blake Shelton, Chris Young, and Steel Magnolia. Fans of all ages took part of the concert that was mixed with a full range of emotions.

 

Starting off things was Steel Magnolia, winners of the 2nd season of CMT's "Can You Duet" television show. The country duo newcomers had perfect chemistry with their vocals and overall performance. During their short set, they performed hit songs including "Keep On Lovin You" and "Ohh La La." Josh Jones even joked that he didn't realize that the first KFC was there in Corbin. This was also their last show on tour with Blake Shelton. In the end, they proved to be hotter than a pepper sprout while singing the Johnny and June Carter Cash classic, "Jackson."

 

Following up their performance was Chris Young, a fellow television talent show contestant, winning Nashville Star several years ago. Young's set was heavily reliant on ballads more than faster tunes. However, it showcased his abilities as a songwriter and vocalist. Young was proud to announce that his latest single, "Tomorrow," will be #20 on the Billboard Single Charts after just being released a month ago to radio. Fans were up screaming and cheering as he sang "Getting You Home (The Black Dress Song)." Chris Young's set list included: "Voices," "The Man I Wanna Be," and a cover of "Fishing in the Dark."

 

The moment Blake Shelton appeared on stage during his opening number, "Hey," fans were on their feet for his entire set. Even for it to be a tamed Sunday night the fans got into the music and Blake himself was having a great time. Throughout his set, Shelton would interact with the crowd with several conversations with audience members. He even joked wondering why he was asked to be picked to co-host the ACM Awards with Reba McEntire in a few weeks.

 

Sitting at the end of the right catwalk, fans were treated with an intimate acoustic performance setting. Blake would perform emotional renditions of "Nobody But Me," "Don't Make Me," and "Austin," as fans sang note for note. His set included "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking," "Some Beach," "All About Tonight," "Kiss My Country Ass," "The More I Drink," "The Baby," and "Playboys Of The Southwestern World." Shelton played tribute to Conway Twitty with the classic, "Goodbye Time," that he made as his own hit.

 

The biggest surprise came while singing his hit single, "Home" as Miranda Lambert appeared from the right side of the stage into the crowd to sing. She would also perform Trace Adkins portion of "Hillbilly Bone."

 

Closing the night, Blake Shelton performed an encore complete with "Ole Red" and followed up with "East Bound and Down" by the legendary Jerry Reed. Overall, Blake Shelton's blend of new and old style country music proved as to why he is Male Vocalist of the Year as well as a Grand Ole Opry member.

 

Overall, the fans of southeast Kentucky got what they paid for - great entertainment from today's new generation of country music artists.

Men in Country Music to Look For in 2010

Josh Thompson - by Jessica Bray

Nothing is as lonesome as the whippoorwill, a train in the distance, and a male country singer playing a sorrowful tune. Earlier we featured the women of country music to look for in 2010. There are several men who might perhaps fill the shoes of their predecessors in the field of country music. Here are my top picks for those to look out for in 2010.

Josh Thompson

This Wisconsin native has been heating up the charts with his latest hit, "Beer on the Table." That song has become the working man's anthem of 2009 and leading into 2010. For the youngings, there is "Milk on the Table" reindition that also has a cute video. Thompson brings a party to the stage with his songs, including "Blame It On Waylon," which fits perfectly to his style. He has had the opportunity to fill in the opener spot on tours for Dierks Bentley and Jamey Johnson to name a few. His 4 Song EP was released via Itunes and with the success of that, his new album will be released on February 23rd.

Check Out Josh Thompson's:

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Wade Bowen

There is a whole nother world in the land of Texas when it comes to music. Sometimes folks outside of the Texas borders don't know about the great musicians down in the heart where George Strait hangs his hat. Wade Bowen has made quite a scene over the years and has been emerging as one of the great talents coming from the state. In fact, he has recently played on the Grand Ole Opry. Any good honkytonk needs to crank up some Wade Bowen with rustic vocals that has more grit than the dirt roads rolling through the land. It is hard to believe that his first album was from 2002 and has several other albums, including his "If We Ever Make It Home" from 2008 that have been unnoticed from those who listen to the Nashville scene. His latest song & video for "Trouble" is out now. Be on the lookout for his "Live at Billy Bob's".

Check Out Wade Bowen's:

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Chris Young

Who knew that a song as simple as a little black dress would stir up the charts? Chris Young's "Getting You Home (The Black Dress Song) helped his career raise to the top after years of trying to get on the charts. Country music fans might remember seeing and hearing Chris when he performed on Nashville Star a few years back and won. His first album from that series was rushed out the door and provided fans an "instant coffee" product. Some things take time to cultivate, and music is one of them. Young went back in the studio and took his time to write and craft some music for his latest release. His vocals remind you of a young Keith Whitley and his songs remind you of Conway Twitty. Coming off of a hit song, 2010 is looking up for Chris Young. His latest hit, “The Man I Want to Be" is climbing up the single and video charts.

Check Out Chris Young's:

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Jerrod Niemann

Perhaps you might know the name just yet, but you might know of a couple of fellers by the name of Garth Brooks and Chris Ledoux. Thinking back, do you remember Garth Brook's hit song "Good Ride Cowboy," in memory of Chris Ledoux? That song was written by none other than Jerrod Niemann. The Kansas native has made quite a splash into the country music scene for his songwriting. Not only has he written for Garth, but he has cowritten with Randy Houser, Dallas Davidson, and Jamey Johnson on several tunes. He just recently signed to Sea Gayle Music, Brad Paisley's record company. His new song, "One More Drinking Song," is ode to the bartenders and the party crowd to sit back and have a good time. Kentucky fans were fortunate to see him perform several times, opening for Jamey Johnson at Renfro Valley, as well as perform with Lee Brice, Jon Stone, and Lance Miller at the Tin Roof - Lexington. With his charming looks and country vocals, Niemann is one to be on the lookout for.

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