Nominees enjoy Grammy recognition

Kenny Chesney, who was nominated for Best Country Album for "Cosmic Hallelujah," said, "The Grammys represent the entire music community coming together. It's the best of the best of every kind of music there is, voted on by the creators, the players, the songwriters, producers and engineers. To have this nomination means a lot, because it is about the music - and given how Cosmic Hallelujah got here, I can't think of a better honor."

The Jerry Douglas Band's nomination of "What If" for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album led Douglas to say, "Every nomination for any award is special, but today was the first nomination for a band that I travel with and confide in which makes it all the more special. We are brothers on the road in every way, and I am so proud to be among these wonderful musicians in this endeavor."

Texas trio Midland was the only debut country artist to earn 2018 Grammy Award nominations with "Drinkin' Problem" for Best Country Song. The group said in a statement, "The Grammys are the pinnacle of musical achievement and we are so honored to be associated with the caliber of these nominated artists. It's beyond our wildest imagination to be recognized by our peers in this way."