NASHVILLE, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. country singer Brad Paisley led Academy of Country Music nominees announced Wednesday with six nods, including entertainer of the year.
Former Trick Pony vocalist Heidi Newfield was second with five when the nominations were announced in Nashville, the academy said in a news release.
Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson and George Strait each received four nominations, while Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban each earned three. Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, James Otto, Jake Owen, Taylor Swift and Sugarland each got two nominations.
This year, the ACM's three newcomer categories -- top new male and female vocalists, and top new duo or group -- will be available to interactive fan voting on GACTV.com, beginning Friday, the organization said. The winners then will compete in the new category, top new artist.
The entertainer of the year award will be determined by fan voting at voteACM.com, and fans may text their vote in the category during the ACM broadcast.
The ACM Awards show will be aired live on CBS April 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
