VIDEO: LEANN RIMES REMINDS AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS AUDIENCE OF COUNTRY TRADITION WITH STUNNING TRIBUTE TO PATSY CLINE

If there was one moment in the American Country Awards last night that silenced a room and made everyone remember that the title of this show included the word "COUNTRY", it was the stunning tribute to the late Patsy Cline by LeAnn Rimes.What an emotional part of this show. It was not only wonderful to see tribute paid to one of the great voices of country, but to see it paid by another one of the great voices of our time, LeAnn. The spotlight shines again on LeAnn, but this time for the right reasons, her amazing voice and talent. It's nice to see her back where she belongs, doing what she was born to do. Thank you LeAnn for the reminder that country was founded on tradition and for bringing the audience a shining example of that tradition. It may have been a short performance, but it will continue to resonate with country fans for a long time.

BRAD PAISLEY TO RECEIVE VIDEO VISIONARY AWARD AND PERFORM ON “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS” TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, ON FOX

Additional Stars Scheduled to Appear Include Olivia Newton John, Big Smo, Cowboy Troy, Dan King, Thompson Square, Trevor Brazile, Shada Brazile, Chris Young, Clay Walker and Parmalee

Voting Continues for Artist of the Year until Saturday, December 7 at www.theacas.com

Country music superstar, American Country Award nominee and 2010, 2011 and 2012 American Country Award winner Brad Paisley will receive the Video Visionary Award during the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS airing live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Tuesday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Paisley, who also will perform his new single, “The Mona Lisa,” will receive the award in recognition of his nearly 15 years pairing amazing songs with creative, immensely entertaining music videos that have truly run the gamut, from heartbreaking to hilarious. The Video Visionary Award has only been awarded one additional time, to Toby Keith, in 2010.

Hosted by Trace Adkins and Danica Patrick, the two-hour event will also feature appearances by Olivia Newton John, Big Smo, Cowboy Troy, Dan King, Thompson Square, Trevor Brazile, Shada Brazile, Clay Walker and Parmalee. Previously announced participants include Scotty McCreery, Chris Young, Carrie Keagan, Joe Nichols and Lauren Alaina. Sheryl Crow, Darius Rucker and Florida Georgia Line also are set to perform. Additional performers and presenters to be announced soon.

The live music spectacular offers country music fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists, not only in traditional categories, but also in a previously unrecognized area – touring – encompassing the entire spectrum of country music.

Voting for Artist of the Year continues until Friday, Dec. 7 at www.theacas.com.

PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS

SHERYL CROW TO SING WITH DARIUS RUCKER, PLUS FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE ALSO TO PERFORM, AT “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS”

LIVE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, ON FOX

Scotty McCreery, Chris Young, Carrie Keegan, Joe Nichols and Lauren Alaina
Among Stars Scheduled to Appear

Voting Continues for Artist of the Year Until Saturday, December 7 at www.theacas.com

Nine-time GRAMMY Award winner Sheryl Crow will sing with two-time GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker, plus Platinum recording artists Florida Georgia Line also are set to perform at the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS (ACA) airing live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Tuesday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Hosted by Trace Adkins and Danica Patrick, the two-hour event will also feature appearances by Scotty McCreery, Chris Young, Carrie Keegan, Joe Nichols and Lauren Alaina. Additional performers and presenters to be announced soon.

The two-hour live music spectacular offers country music fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists, not only in traditional categories, but also in a previously unrecognized area – touring – encompassing the entire spectrum of country music.

Voting for Artist of the Year continues until Friday, Dec. 7 at www.theacas.com.

CASEY JAMES PROVES HE'S STILL IN THE GAME, EARNING NOD FOR ACA NEW ARTIST MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR AWARD

VOTE NOW FOR THE ACA AWARDS

Finally! Casey James is getting some recognition for his music, not just his curls and blue eyes. From the first time he grabbed America's attention as the "curly haired guitar player" from Texas on American Idol , he's shown the music world that he's got much more to offer than boyish charm and good looks, he's got skill and mad game. Right out of the gate, his debut single, the sexy come on ballad, "Let's Don't Call It A Night", took off like a bullet and landed a spot in the 20's on the charts and came packaged with a video that became a hit on GAC and CMT. Casey's second single, "Crying on a Suitcase", was another immediate smash hit and again, found it's home in the 20's on the charts and resulted in mass radio airplay. The video, like it's predecessor, found a home on CMT and GAC as one of the most played and top requested videos. Make no mistake, Casey James is here for the long haul.

Just a little background on Casey for those of you who may not be familiar with his story or his music ... he started playing the guitar at the age of 13 and within a year was actually performing on stage. Tragedy struck when Casey was 21 in the form of a serious motorcycle accident that nearly took his life. Told he would no longer be able to play guitar, Casey proved the doctors wrong and came back stronger and better than before the accident. In 2009, Casey tried out for American Idol Season 9 and in May 2010, finished in the Top 3. Casey's American Idol run gave birth to the Casey James Fan Club. These fans are some of the most rabid, dedicated fans I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. As someone who loves seeing artists get honest appreciation for what they do, they don't come much better than this group of people. They're not afraid to stand up and speak out for Casey, his music and things they think should be brought to the attention of whoever will listen. Sometimes it's fans like this who help an artist gain their recognition, even more than any label/management or public relations representative can. Fans are better than any press release to let you know what's going on in their favorite artist's world. Casey James fans know this and excel at it.

I have to say, I had seen Casey on American Idol, heard his music and knew he was good, but until I saw him perform live in Raleigh, NC last weekend, I didn't know that he isn't just good, he's outstanding. I've never seen anyone shred a guitar like him and I swear he left shards of wood and pieces of strings on the stage when he left. His show was one of the most energetic I've ever seen, he was climbing on the speakers, bouncing around the stage, and making personal contact with those in the audience. His voice was spot on with a hint of a back country gravel road, grit and a Texas growl that honestly made my knees a little weak. Good music always makes my knees weak and this was good music.

Casey has been nominated for the fan voted American Country Awards for New Artist Video of the Year for "Crying on a Suitcase". Again, this is a FAN VOTED award so if Casey's fans have anything to say about it, he'll be up on that stage with his acceptance speech. Congratulations Casey on the nomination and I know your fans will be on the edge of their seats waiting to see you hold up that award at the end of the night.

GET YOUR VOTE IN AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE TO PRESENT ON ACA'S AND HEADLINE THE AFTER PARTY

Duo Will Perform Platinum-Certified, #1 Smash “Cruise” On NBC’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon On 12/12 And FOX & Friends On 12/13

Photo Credit: Kristin Barlowe

Nashville, TN (December 6, 2012) – On the heels of a successful debut album release last week and a #1, Platinum-certified debut single, “Cruise,” hot newcomers Florida Georgia Line will continue the excitement next week from coast to coast. The duo has secured a coveted presenter slot on Monday (12/10) during the American Country Awards live broadcast from Las Vegas, airing at 8:00P ET/PT on FOX. Immediately following, FGL has been tapped to headline the official After-party at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. For ticket information and show details, please visit http://www.houseofblues.com/tickets/eventdetail.php?eventid=78030.

The good times keep rolling for the duo as they head to the Big Apple for their national television performance debut. FGL will perform their smash debut single, “Cruise,” on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday (12/12) and the following morning (12/13) on FOX & Friends. Check local listings for show times.

Earlier this week, FGL released their aptly-titled debut album, HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES, on Republic Nashville. Produced by Joey Moi (Jake Owen, Nickelback), the 11-track project showcases FGL’s fresh and exciting sound, which is drawn from an eclectic mix of influences ranging from country to hip-hop.

FGL has sold-out multiple headlining shows and has been opening for Jake Owen on the “CMT On Tour,” giving fans a preview of the new music in recent months. In January 2013, they’ve been selected to open on Luke Bryan’s “Dirt Road Diaries Tour." Their energetic stage presence and infection lyrics have earned the attention of fans and Superstars – Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Jennifer Nettle’s (Sugarland) and Dierks Bentley – alike.

For tour dates and more, visit FloridaGeorgiaLine.com

VOTING NOW OPEN FOR ACA AWARDS - GET YOUR VOTES IN NOW FOR YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS

Voting is now open at www.theacas.com and will remain open until Monday, Nov. 12 for all categories. The fan-voted American Country Awards is scheduled to air Dec. 10 on Fox. Congratulations to Toby Keith on your 3 award nominations, Male Artist of the Year, Touring Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for Red Solo Cup! 

TRACE ADKINS AND KRISTIN CHENOWETH RETURN AS HOSTS OF “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS” THIS DECEMBER ON FOX

Photo credit: carefreelasvegas.com

Multi-platinum recording artist Trace Adkins and Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth return as hosts of the third annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, airing from Las Vegas this December on FOX. The awards show will take place at Mandalay Bay. Nominations to be announced soon.

“The ACAs honor the best and brightest of country music, from the hotshot breakthrough artists to the icons,” said Adkins. “I’m looking forward to cutting loose again with Kristin, who’s quite the firecracker comedienne, while we also take viewers through an evening of great music and awards.”

“I’m excited to return to the ACA stage with Trace and his big personality and even bigger boots,” said Kristin Chenoweth. “We had a blast last year and I plan to pull out all the stops to make sure everyone has a good time!”

The AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is the only country music awards show that gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories but also in previously unrecognized areas of the business such as touring, encompassing the entire spectrum of country music and bestowing honors that no other awards show has.

The second annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS featured performances by Alabama, Eli Young Band, Toby Keith, Pistol Annies, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Thompson Square and Chris Young, as well as by co-hosts Adkins and Chenoweth. The special also featured appearances by Lauren Alaina, Kyle Busch, Rodney Carrington, Bill Engvall, Hunter Hayes, the JaneDear Girls, Miranda Lambert, Jamie Little,Love & Theft,Larry Mahan, Scotty McCreery, Brad Paisley, Jordin Sparks, The Big Show, Josh Turner, Storme Warren and the men of “Pawn Stars” (Corey Harrison, Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison and Austin Russell).


With his trademark baritone and wry sense of humor, Trace Adkins is one of country music’s most accomplished entertainers. With total sales surpassing 10 million albums, a long list of hit singles and platinum albums, he is also a television personality, actor and author. His hits include “Just Fishin’” “Every Light in the House,” “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” “You’re Gonna Miss This,” “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “All I Ask For Anymore.” A Grammy Award nominee and member of the Grand Ole Opry, Adkins is currently on the road with his Songs & Stories Tour in support of his tenth studio album, “Proud To Be Here.” He also is the host of the cable television series, “Great American Heroes.” This will be Adkins’ third time hosting the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS.


Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth is an accomplished singer and actress of stage, television and film. She recently completed a North American concert tour featuring music from her latest album, “Some Lessons Learned,” as well as an array of her most memorable songs and Broadway show tunes. She is known for her Tony Award-nominated turn as the original “Glinda,” the good witch, in Broadway’s “Wicked” and her show-stealing, Tony Award-winning performance in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” She has received two Emmy Award nominations for her role as  

“April Rhodes” on the hit series GLEE. She won an Emmy Award for her role as “Olive Snook” on “Pushing Daisies.” She also starred in “GCB” and will next be seen on “The Good Wife.”

TOBY KEITH NAMED "ARTIST OF THE DECADE" AT ACAs "Red Solo Cup" Runneth Over; Featured On Glee

Singer, songwriter and entertainer Toby Keith was named "Artist Of The Decade" on Monday night's American Country Awards, which aired live from Las Vegas on FOX. The honor is based on Mediabase airplay data from 2001 to 2010 which shows Keith as the No. 1 artist at country radio during that span.

After receiving the honor, Toby closed the show with a performance of his unexpected new smash "Red Solo Cup," which was only officially named a single last week after the video went viral on the internet to the tune of more than five million views (Click here to view: http://youtu.be/BKZqGJONH68). The song is the No. 1 iTunes country download and No. 10 (and climbing) in the all-genre iTunes Top Songs download, most added at country radio and already No. 22 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart.

So complete is the Cup's cultural impact, it was covered by the cast of the FOX-TV hit Glee – perhaps the fastest release-to-Glee-rendition of any song yet featured on the show.

"Red Solo Cup" is the second single from Keith's recently-released No. 1 album Clancy's Tavern following the No. 1 smash "Made In America." Keith recently completed the European leg of his Locked & Loaded tour, where international fans were quick to pick up the new custom of waving the iconic red Solo cups.

CHRIS YOUNG WINS BIG IN VEGAS AT AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS

Young Brings Home Breakthrough Artist Of The Year and Single Of The Year From The ACA’s Live On FOX

What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas! Chris Young had a winning night as he not only performed his recent #1 smash “Voices”, but was honored by being awarded Breakthrough Artist Of The Year and Single Of The Year for the song at the American Country Awards. The show, which aired live on FOX, is fan voted, making the award especially meaningful.

“I had a blast tonight! I am so thankful for my amazing fans for their support and votes and am thrilled to accept this award,” says Young.

“Voices”– co-written by Young, Chris Tompkins, and Craig Wiseman- is Young’s third consecutive #1 smash and shattered a 25-year record earlier this year, marking only the second time in the modern era of the Billboard country chart that an artist re-released the same recording to chart-topping status.

Young’s current hit song “You,” from his new album NEON, is Top 15 and climbing at country radio.

And the Big Ass Guitar Went To ...

Tonight's American Country Awards are over and the partying in Vegas has just begun with red solo cups being hoisted up and down the Strip and hangovers in the works for tomorrow morning. Thanks to the ACA's for a fun night and congratulations to all of the winners and also to those who didn't win but were nominated. And fans, whether your favorite won or not, remember that they won just by being nominated and artists, it means your fans love you either way! New artists take note, be nice to your fans, they could vote for you to walk home with the big ass custom Fenders next year!

Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean

Artist of the Year: Male
Brad Paisley

Artist of the Year: Female
Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Group
Lady Antebellum

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Chris Young

Artist of the Year: New Artist
Scotty McCreery

Album of the Year
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”

Single of the Year
Chris Young, “Voices”

Single of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”

Single of the Year: Female
Carrie Underwood, “Mama's Song”

Single of the Year: Group
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Single of the Year: New Artist
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don't You Wanna Stay”

Touring Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean

Music Video of the Year
Blake Shelton, “Who Are You When I'm Not Looking”

Music Video: Male
Blake Shelton, “Who Are You When I'm Not Looking”

Music Video: Female
Carrie Underwood, “Mama's Song”

Music Video: Group or Collaboration
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”

Music Video: New Artist
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

GREATEST HITS AWARD
Alabama

ARTIST OF THE DECADE AWARD
Toby Keith

ALABAMA TO RECEIVE “GREATEST HITS” AWARD AND PERFORM ON “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS” MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, ON FOX

AMERICAN IDOL SCOTTY MCCREERY ALSO SET TO PERFORM

Josh Turner, Jordin Sparks, The Big Show, The JaneDear Girls, Bill Engvall,

Larry Mahan and Rodney Carrington Scheduled To Appear

Voting for Artist of the Year Continues at www.theacas.com Until Friday, December 2

Legendary country music group Alabama has been tapped to receive the Greatest Hits Award at the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The veteran band, which gave its farewell tour in 2003, also will perform during the broadcast. Additionally, AMERICAN IDOL winner Scotty McCreery has been added to the list of performers for the two-hour primetime special.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS Greatest Hits Award is presented to a country music act that has produced an extensive catalogue of No. 1 hits throughout its career.

As one of country music’s classic groups, Alabama has enjoyed more than 30 years of unprecedented success in the music industry. Consisting of Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook, the group has released 21 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum albums, and 43 No. 1 singles. Other accolades include eight country music "Entertainer of the Year" honors, two Grammys, two People's Choice Awards and their very own star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame."

Alabama first signed with industry giant RCA back in 1980. The group immediately began taking the country genre in new directions, reaching out to an incredibly diverse fan base, many of whom had never listened to country music. The band's upbringing on country, gospel, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, rock-n-roll and southern rock enabled them to perform everything from Acuff to ZZ Top. Their career sales have topped 73 million records, ranking them as one of the 10 biggest-selling bands in the annals of popular music – ahead of such rock legends as Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Queen, Pink Floyd and The Who. Additionally, Alabama has more No. 1 records than any band in country music history and has sold more concert tickets than any other country group.

The second annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, is the only country music awards show that gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories but also in previously unrecognized areas of the business such as touring, encompassing the entire spectrum of country music and bestowing honors that no other awards show has. Co-hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, along with country music’s Blake Shelton, Pistol Annies, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band and The Band Perry are set to perform. The special will also include appearances by Josh Turner, Jordin Sparks, The Big Show, The JaneDear Girls, Bill Engvall, Larry Mahan and Rodney Carrington. Previously announced participants include Lauren Alaina, Rachel Bilson, Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery and the men of “Pawn Stars” (Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin Russell).

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2011, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers; and Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special.

Visit www.theacas.com for the complete list of categories and nominees.

Performers Announced for ACA Awards

CO-HOSTS TRACE ADKINS AND KRISTIN CHENOWETH, 

BLAKE SHELTON, PISTOL ANNIES, THOMPSON SQUARE,

ELI YOUNG BAND AND THE BAND PERRY 

TO PERFORM AT “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS” 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, ON FOX

Lauren Alaina, Rachel Bilson, Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery and the Men of “Pawn Stars”

(Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin Russell) Among Stars Scheduled to Appear

Voting for Artist of the Year Continues at www.theacas.com Until Friday, December 2

NASHVILLE, TN -- (October 31, 2011) -- Co-hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, along with country music’s Blake Shelton, Pistol Annies, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band and The Band Perry are set to perform at the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS (ACA) airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 5(8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

The two-hour event will also feature appearances by Lauren Alaina, Rachel Bilson, Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery and the men of “Pawn Stars” (Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin Russell). Additional performers and presenters will be announced soon.

The two-hour live music spectacular offers country music fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories, but also in a previously unrecognized area of the business – touring – encompassing the entire spectrum of country music.

Voting for all categories remains open until Friday, Nov. 11 at www.theacas.com. Voting for Artist of the Year continues until Friday, Dec. 2.

Blake Shelton has been dubbed one of the “most versatile of contemporary country singers” by The New York Times. The 2010 CMA Male Vocalist of the Year continues to prove to be one of the industry’s hottest vocalists as he caps a successful year with career highlights that include Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Country Music Television (CMT) Awards, multiple Country Music Association (CMA) Award wins, the release of three albums: “Hillbilly Bone,” “All About Tonight” and a greatest-hits album, “Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton.” He garnered two No. 1 hits with the title tracks, “Hillbilly Bone” (featuring long-time friend and ACA co-host Adkins) and “All About Tonight.” Shelton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2010. He has seven No. 1 hits, including his back-to-back multi-week No. 1 singles “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” and “Home”; his five-week No. 1 debut single “Austin”; and two additional multi-week No. 1 hits, “The Baby” and “Some Beach.” Every single one of Shelton’s singles released since 2007 has peaked in the Top 10.

The Pistol Annies are comprised of Ashley Monroe (“Hippie Annie”), Angaleena Presley (“Holler Annie”), and Miranda Lambert (“Lone Star Annie”). The trio was born out of a songwriting session when Monroe introduced Lambert to the music of her friend, Presley. “Hell on Heels” is the title track to the trio’s 2011 debut album. The trio has performed on selected Miranda Lambert tour dates and it is planning a tour of its own soon. Every song on “Hell on Heels” was written by one or more of the Annies, who all co-wrote the track “Family Feud” with “Pistol Andy” Blake Shelton.

One of country music’s biggest breakout acts of 2011, Stoney Creek Records’ Thompson Square has earned 12 major awards show nominations in 2011 including seven ACA nominations, an American Music Award (ACA) nod for New Artist of the Year, and two CMA nominations for New Artist of the Year and Vocal Duo of the Year. The husband-and-wife team, comprised of the Oklahoma-bred Keifer Thompson and Alabama-bred Shawna Thompson, combine classic country and rock influences to forge a sound that is thoroughly modern, but built on the bedrock of tradition. The duo’s No. 1 single “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” is country radio’s most played song of the year, according to music industry tracking service Mediabase. Their current single, "I Got You," is a Top 10 hit. Thompson Square spent the past year on the road opening for multi-platinum country rocker Jason Aldean on his My Kinda Party 2011 Tour. The pair joins Darius Rucker's U.S. tour in November and joins Lady Antebellum’s Own the Night 2012 World Tour in January.

The Eli Young Band’s lead single “Crazy Girl,” has been certified platinum with sales of more than one million downloads. The song is currently at No. 2 on both country radio charts while the video for the single has tracked over six million views on YouTube. “Life at Best” made its debut at No. 3 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 6 on the Billboard 200. It came in at No. 1 on the iTunes Store Top 10 Country Albums chart and No. 3 on iTunes’ all-genre Top 10 Albums chart, just behind Jay Z/Kanye West and Adele. While currently on tour with Dierks Bentley, EYB is a headliner in its own right, selling out shows across the country from California to Rhode Island.

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2011, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers; and Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special.

Visit www.theacas.com for the complete list of categories and nominees.

Vote for Craig Campbell and Your Favorite Artists NOW! Make Your Vote Count!

The ACA's are just around the corner and your vote could mean the difference between a win and a lose for your favorite artist. Go to the site and vote NOW for your favorite artist! You can't be upset if they lose if you didn't vote.

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR SECOND ANNUAL “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS”

AWARDS TO AIR LIVE MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, ON FOX

Jason Aldean and Zac Brown Band Lead with Eight Nominations Each;
Thompson Square Gets Seven Nods; The Band Perry and Taylor Swift Each Earn Six

Vote for Your Favorite Country Music Nominees Online at www.theacas.com

NASHVILLE,TN - (October 13, 2011) - The second annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Jason Aldean and Zac Brown Band lead the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS nominees with eight nominations each; Thompson Square earned seven nods; and The Band Perry and Taylor Swift each garnered six.

Starting today, fans can vote once each day for their favorite AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS nominees at www.theacas.com. Voting is open until Friday, Nov. 11 for all categories, except for Artist of the Year, which closes on Friday, Dec. 2. The nominees for each award category have been determined by four media measurement companies: BigChampagne (record sales and media consumption); Great American Country (video airplay); Mediabase (radio airplay); and Pollstar (touring data).

Hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, the two-hour live music spectacular is the only country music awards show that gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories but also in previously unrecognized areas of the business such as touring, encompassing the entire spectrum of country music and bestowing honors that no other awards show has.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS will feature performances and appearances by the year’s chart-topping country artists. Performers and presenters will be announced soon.

Following is the list of categories and nominees for the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS:

ARTISTS

Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum
Taylor Swift
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton

Artist of the Year: Female
Sara Evans
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Eric Church
Eli Young Band
Justin Moore
Jake Owen
Chris Young

Artist of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry
Scotty McCreery
Jerrod Niemann
Pistol Annies
Thompson Square

Album

Album of the Year
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Kenny Chesney, “Hemingway’s Whiskey”
Brad Paisley, “This Is Country Music"
Taylor Swift, “Speak Now”
Keith Urban, “Get Closer”
Zac Brown Band, “You Get What You Give”

SINGLES

Single of the Year
Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”
Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Chris Young, “Voices”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She's Walking Away”

Single of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Luke Bryan, “Someone Else Calling You Baby”
Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”
Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”
Chris Young, “Voices”

Single of the Year: Female
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Miranda Lambert, “Heart Like Mine”
Reba, “Turn On The Radio”
Taylor Swift, “Mean”
Carrie Underwood, “Mama's Song”

Single of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Rascal Flatts, “Why Wait”
Sugarland, “Stuck Like Glue”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Zac Brown Band, “Colder Weather”

Single of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Craig Campbell, “Family Man”
The JaneDear Girls, “Wildflower”
Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don't You Wanna Stay”
Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
Brad Paisley with Alabama, “Old Alabama”
Zac Brown Band with Jimmy Buffet, “Knee Deep”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She's Walking Away”

TOURING

Touring Headline Act of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

VIDEOS

Music Video of the Year
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”
Blake Shelton, “Who Are you When I'm Not Looking”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Josh Turner, “I Wouldn't Be A Man”

Music Video: Male
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”
Blake Shelton, “Who Are You When I'm Not Looking”
Josh Turner, “I Wouldn't Be A Man”
Keith Urban, “Put You In A Song”

Music Video: Female
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Reba, “Turn On The Radio”
Ashton Shepherd, “Look It Up”
Taylor Swift, “Back To December”
Carrie Underwood, “Mama's Song”

Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Lady Antebellum, “Hello World”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She's Walking Away”

Music Video: New Artist
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Craig Campbell, “Family Man”
Brett Eldredge, “Raymond”
Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2011, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers; and Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special.

THOMPSON SQUARE EARNS SEVEN AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS NOMINATIONS

New Chart-Topping Duo Holds 2nd Highest Number of Nominations including SINGLE, NEW ARTIST, & MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

(NASHVILLE, TN - October 13, 2011) – Stoney Creek Records’ Thompson Square scored big news again today, earning an astounding 7 nominations for FOX’s 2011 American Country Awards. The chart-topping new duo – which burst onto the music scene only a year ago – earned the 2nd highest amount of nominations at this year’s awards, second only to multi-platinum superstars Jason Aldean and Zac Brown Band. The chart-topping husband/wife duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson, whose #1 single “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” is the Most Played Song on Country Radio this year (Mediabase), earned American Country Awards nominations for:

New Artist of the Year
Single of the Year (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”)
Single of the Year – Duo or Group (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”)
Single of the Year – New Artist (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”)
Music Video of the Year (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not”)
Music Video of the Year – Duo, Group or Collaboration (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”)
Music Video of the Year – New Artist (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”)

The news comes only two days after learning that Thompson Square had earned a SPRINT “New Artist of the Year” nomination at the 2011 American Music Awards. “Our manager came into the room and cleared everyone out so that he could talk to us privately,” says Shawna. “We’d never seen him so serious before and we were kind of worried. Then he gave us the great news and we couldn’t believe it. Seven ACA nominations on top of our AMA and CMA nominations…it’s unfathomable…we’re so grateful to everyone that helped get us here.”

“The last year of our lives have been completely surreal,” said Keifer. “We’ve never had a dream come true before. We didn’t know what that felt like until recently.”

One of Country music’s biggest breakout acts of 2011,Thompson Square’s infectious #1 radio single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” also spent 5 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Country Digital Soundscan Chart and has sold 1.5 million downloads to-date. The single also reached #1 on the Billboard Heat Seekers Chart and was the #1 Country Ringtone for 12 weeks straight. Additionally, Thompson Square is the only duo to reach #1 on CMT’s Top 50 Artist Chart in 2011.

Thompson Square has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan, Fox & Friends and Fox’s Summer Concert Series, as well as been featured in Entertainment Weekly, People Country, Country Weekly, USA Today, The Washington Post andBillboard. Their new single, "I Got You," is edging into the Top 10. The duo also recently earned two CMA nominations, Vocal Duo of the Year and New Artist of the Year, for the upcoming “45th Annual CMA Awards.” Thompson Square is currently on the road opening for multi-platinum country rocker Jason Aldean on his My Kinda Party 2011 Arena Tour. They will join Darius Rucker's U.S. tour later this fall. For more infomation visit www.thompsonsquare.com

Hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, the 2nd annual American Country Awardswill air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Starting today, fans can vote once each day for their favorite American Country Awardsnominees at www.theacas.com. Voting is open until Friday, Nov. 11 for all categories, except for Artist of the Year, which closes on Friday, Dec. 2. The nominees for each award category have been determined by four media measurement companies: BigChampagne (record sales and media consumption); Great American Country (video airplay); Mediabase (radio airplay); and Pollstar (touring data).