Early ACM Awards

Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Stapleton and Old Dominion are early award winners announced by the Academy of Country Music, which will be broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas April 3.

Photo: Jason Moore
"CMA Country Christmas," Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, Tenn.

Ballerini (new female artist), Stapleton (new male artist) and Old Dominion (new duo/group) are all first-time ACM winners. They won’t be left out of the main event, though, as all are up for other awards with Stapleton leading the pack with six additional nominations including for album and male vocalist, Ballerini for female vocalist, and Old Dominion for vocal group.

Previously fan-voted, newcomer categories are now incorporated into the professional membership voting process this year.