No surprise regarding ACM nominations: artists are happy

Thursday, February 10, 2022 – Chris Young led the chorus of ultra happy country performers, who received great news Thursday - they were nominated for Academy of Country Music awards.

""7 NOMINATIONS!!!! Are ya'll serious??? ACM - Academy of Country Music THANK YOU and see you in VEGAS!," Young tweeted.

Young received seven nominations, the most of any artist.

Lambert was certainly a happy camper as well. "I am so humbled by our industry's recognition of the music we're making," she said. Lambert put out "The Marfa Tapes" with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall, a low-key affair. "Jack, Jon and I took five days to make this music around a campfire in Marfa, Texas, where we've been writing together for years, and receiving acknowledgement like this only furthers the permission we give ourselves to be vulnerable and stretch beyond our comfort zones. I can't believe we get to do this, and do this together to follow our dreams and be part of such a supportive community. Thank you for listening and for loving. country music."

Carly Pearce scored four nominations including Album of the Year for her well-received "29: Written in Stone." "The people who've come up and told me what this album meant to them; how it helped at their lowest made me feel '29' was much more than my life," Pearce said. "So this nomination, which blows me away, feels as much for anyone who's found a shred of hope or strength, or courage in even one of the songs."

"When I get these calls, I almost don't know what to say," Pearce said. "It always surprises me, because I know how good my peers are and respect them so much. This been such a journey, and I take none of it for granted ever. Each one of these nominations means the world to me. Know that! Know how much all of this means."

Ashley McBryde received three nominations: her third for Female Artist of the Year along with Video of the Year and Music Event of the Year for "Never Wanted To Be That Girl," her duet with Pearce.

"What an honor to be recognized by our peers and the Academy," said McBryde. "There's nothing better than celebrating alongside all the powerhouse female artists in this category, "and what a treat to be nominated with my friend Carly for Video of the Year and Music Event of the Year on a song we wrote together. Thank you to the fans for listening to our stories and for sharing yours in return. These moments wouldn't exist without you."

New Female Artist of the Year nominee Caitlyn Smith said, "I came to Nashville over a decade ago with a dream to write and sing songs. The journey since then from the stages I've played, to the incredible artists I've had the privilege to work with have gone far beyond my wildest dreams. This nomination is definitely another one of those pinch me moments, and I'm so humbled and grateful to be recognized by our country music family."

Fellow nominee Lily Rose said, "I signed my first record deal 13 months ago, and now I'm nominated for an ACM award. This is truly such a testament to how hard we work as a team, as songwriters and on tour. I wouldn't be anywhere without this crew, and I'm over the moon excited. Hell, my mom said she 'bought a dress to give it good vibes,' so thanks Mom."

LOCASH was nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year. "We're so grateful and excited to be recognized again by the Academy of Country Music," said LOCASH's Chris Lucas. "This is amazing news and a great sign for what's to come!"

"It still hasn't sunk in yet, but it feels amazing to be nominated," said partner Preston Brust. "There are so many individuals on our team that help make all of this possible, so this is a big moment for all of us!"