Paisley Tops ACM Noms

Along with the prized entertainer of the year award, Paisley’s once again up for top male vocalist, single record of the year, song of the year, video of the year and vocal event of the year.

Former Trick Pony vocalist Heidi Newfield’s 2008 solo debut has garnered plenty of attention for the singer, earning five nominations including top female vocalist, single record of the year, song of the year and video of the year.

Competing for third place in the nominations race are Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson and George Strait with four nods each. All three will battle it out in the top male vocalist category, and Chesney and Strait will also compete for the entertainer of the year title.

Carrie Underwood is giving the boys a run for their money with her entertainer of the year nom, as the award has historically gone to male artists (only seven female performers have ever secured the title). Underwood’s also up for top female vocalist and video of the year.

Also securing three nominations was Keith Urban for entertainer of the year, top male vocalist and vocal event of the year.

Artists to snag two nods included Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, James Otto, Jake Owen, Taylor Swift and Sugarland.

Three newcomer categories – top new female vocalist, top new male vocalist and top new vocal duo or group – will be opened up to interactive fan voting on GACTV.com beginning Feb. 13. The winners of those categories will then compete in the top new artist category.

Fans will also be given the chance to vote for the entertainer of the year at voteACM.com or text votes during the ceremony, broadcast from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas April 5.