2006 ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES & NEWS
Mar 27
Off-Camera Nominations Announced for the 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards
The Academy of Country Music is announcing nominations for the following categories, which, due to time constraints, will not be televised during the 42nd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS:
ON-AIR PERSONALITY -- NATIONAL
-- Kix Brooks -- American Country Countdown (ABC Radio Network)
-- Bill Cody -- Classic Country Weekend (Jones Radio Network)
-- Bob Kingsley -- Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40 (Jones Radio Network)
-- Lia Knight -- (Jones Radio Network)
-- Danny Wright -- All Night (Jones Radio Network)
ON-AIR PERSONALITY -- MAJOR MARKET --
Cornbread with Pat James -- WIL, St. Louis, MO --
Edwards & Lee -- WYCD, Detroit, MI -- Tim Hattrick & Willy D. Loon --
KNIX, Phoenix, AZ -- Jim, Deb and Kevin --
WFMS, Indianapolis, IN -- Randy & Dave --
WQYK, St. Petersburg, FL ON-AIR PERSONALITY --
MEDIUM MARKET -- Ron Bee and Becky Palmer --
WBBS, Syracuse, NY -- Broadway -- WBCT, Grand Rapid, MI --
Dawson, Kristina & Levi -- The Get Up Gang -- KRST, Albuquerque, NM
-- Brian Gary & Todd Harding -- KUAD, Ft. Collins, CO
-- Charlie James & Pam Wilder -- WCOS, Columbia, SC
ON-AIR PERSONALITY -- SMALL MARKET
-- Paul Dupuis and J.R. Mitchell (The Breakfast Flakes) -- WQCB,
Bangor, ME -- Gator & The Styckman -- WGSQ, Cookeville, TN
-- Barry Kent, Bobbie Ashley and Frank Rush (The Waking Crew) --
WTHI, Terre Haut, IN -- Mike Lawrence and Dana Carole --
KHKX, Midland, TX -- McFly and the Ride Home with Marty McFly
and Stewart James -- WGSQ, Cookeville, TN
RADIO STATION -- MAJOR MARKET -- KEEY -- Minneapolis, MN
-- KSON -- San Diego, CA -- WQYK -- St. Petersburg, FL
-- WSIX -- Nashville, TN -- WXTU -- Philadelphia, PA
RADIO STATION -- MEDIUM MARKET -- KIIM -- Tucson, AZ
-- KUAD -- Ft. Collins, CO -- KUZZ -- Bakersfield, CA
-- KXKT -- Omaha, NE -- WIVK -- Knoxville, TN
RADIO STATION -- SMALL MARKET -- WFRY -- Watertown, NY
-- WJCL -- Savannah, GA -- WPAP -- Panama City, FL
-- WTCR -- Huntington, WV -- WYZB -- Ft. Walton, FL
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR -- Richard Bennett -- Mark Bright
-- Dann Huff -- Keith Stegall -- Mark Wright
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR -- Jeff Balding
-- Neal Cappelino -- Tom Castle -- Jason Lehning
-- Steve Marcantonio BASS -- Mike Brignardello
-- Kevin Grant -- Larry Paxton -- Alison Prestwood
-- Glenn Worf DRUMS -- Eddie Bayers
-- Chad Cromwell -- Chris McHugh -- Greg Morrow
-- Lonnie Wilson FIDDLE -- Stuart Duncan
-- Glen Duncan -- Larry Franklin -- Aubrey Haynie
-- Joe Spivey GUITAR -- Tom Bukovac -- J.T. Corenflos
-- Kenny Greenberg -- Brent Mason -- John Willis
PIANO / KEYBOARDS -- Tony Harrell -- John Hobbs
-- John Jarvis -- Gordon Mote -- Steve Nathan
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) -- Richard Bennett
-- Stuart Duncan -- Rob Ickes -- Kristen Wilkinson
-- John Willis STEEL GUITAR -- Dan Dugmore
-- Buddy Emmon -- Michael Johnson -- Russ Pahl
-- Scotty Sanders VENUE OF THE YEAR
-- Grand Ole Opry House -- Nashville, TN
-- Harrah's North Kansas City -- Kansas City, MO
-- John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino Resort -- Sparks, NV
-- Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center -- Gilford, NH
-- Turning Stone Resort and Casino -- Verona, NY
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR -- Buck Owens Crystal Palace --
Bakersfield, CA -- Floore's Country Store -- San Antonio, TX
-- Grizzly Rose -- Denver, CO -- Joe's -- Chicago, IL
-- Pepsi Roadhouse -- Bugettstown, PA
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR --
Brad Coombs -- Meridian Entertainment
-- R.J. Kaltenbach -- Klein's Attractions
-- Bill Magann -- Variety Attractions
-- Gary Osier -- Gary Osier Presents
-- Terrye Seigel -- Terrye Seigel Productions
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR -- Ben Farrell -- Varnell Enterprises
-- Brad Garrett -- Police Productions -- Brian Martin
-- Brian Martin Productions -- Ron Sakamoto
-- Gold and Gold Productions -- Mike Smardak
-- Outback Concerts of TN, Inc. ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC, an artist and industry-driven organization, exists to produce a world-class network television awards show, and its associated events, to provide the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of its Charitable Fund. Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund promotes and supports music education and humanitarian programs that transform the human spirit. Through its charitable donations, the ACMCF works towards two main goals: encouraging Learning Through Music and Healing Through Music. The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,500 professional members and more than 40,000 associate members, was established in 1964 and is headquartered in Encino, Calif.
For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC, please visit http://www.acmcountry.com/. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC CHARITABLE FUND, please visit http://www.acmcf.org/.
The 42nd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ceremony honoring country music's top talent as well as the industry's hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
Source: Academy of Country Music
Web site: http://www.acmcountry.com/
http://www.acmcf.org/
Mar 22
Country Music & Television Superstar Reba McEntire to Host the 42nd Annual ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS Country Music's Party of the Year(TM)
Telecast to Air Live From Las Vegas Tuesday, May 15th at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS Television Network
The Academy of Country Music announced today the return of Reba McEntire as host of the 42nd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, the event which honors country music's top talent as well as the industry's hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
Reba McEntire is a country music legend who been delivering number one songs for more than 20 years and has sold more than 50 million records over the course of her incredible career. Her name and voice are synonymous with country music. In 2001, after conquering the country music world many times over, Ms. McEntire set her sights on Broadway, where she starred in the hugely successful revival of Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun." Soon after, she began work on her hit WB sitcom, "Reba," for which she was awarded a 2001 People's Choice Award and a 2004 Golden Globe nomination.
"Reba #1's," her compilation album, celebrated platinum certification in 2006 and is a celebration of a career that has included 33 #1 songs, 29 albums, multiple awards and countless shows and performances.
"I am so flattered to be asked to host the Academy of Country Music Awards," said Reba McEntire. "I'm thrilled to be heading back to Las Vegas to help put on the greatest show in country music."
This year's telecast will mark the unprecedented ninth time that Ms. McEntire has hosted the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS. She has won 11 Academy of Country Music Awards and has 41 nominations total. In 2001 she was awarded the first annual Academy of Country Music / The Home Depot Humanitarian Award for her outstanding philanthropic work. In 2003, the Academy of Country Music awarded her the title of "Leading Lady" in recognition of her status as the all-time leading winner in the Top Female Vocalist category with seven wins.
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC, an artist and industry-driven organization, exists to produce a world-class network television awards show, and its associated events, to provide the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of its Charitable Fund. The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,500 professional members and more than 40,000 associate members, was established in 1964 and is headquartered in Encino, Calif. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC, please visit www.acmcountry.com.
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is produced for television by dick clark productions. The show is executive produced by Allen Shapiro and R.A. Clark, and produced by Barry Adelman. The executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo, and the executive in charge is Francis LaMaina.
Source: ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC
Mar 5
NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 42nd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC® AWARDS COUNTRY MUSIC’S PARTY OF THE YEAR®
TELECAST TO AIR LIVE FROM MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS
TUESDAY, MAY 15TH AT 8:00 PM LIVE ET/ DELAYED PT ON CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
George Strait leads with 8 nominations; Brooks & Dunn receive 7 nominations, with Ronnie Dunn receiving an additional nod; Rascal Flatts receives 6 nominations; Carrie Underwood receives 5 nominations; Big & Rich receives 4 nominations, with John Rich receiving an additional nod;Vince Gill, Josh Turner and Gretchen Wilson all receive 3 nominations
NASHVILLE, TN (March 5, 2007) – Nominations have been announced for the 42nd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS. Winners will receive their awards during a star-studded event to be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
The nominees were announced at a press conference held today at the Ford Theater at the Country
Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville. Participating in the press conference was multi-platinum recording artists Kenny Chesney and Sugarland along with Hannah Storm of CBS’ The Early Show.
This morning George Strait led with eight nominations, including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist. In addition Strait was nominated as artist and producer for both Album of the Year for It Just Comes Natural and Single Record of the Year for “Give It Away” along with nods for Song of the Year for “Give It Away” and Video of the Year for “Seashores of Old Mexico.” Strait has previously won 15 Academy of Country Music Award honors.
Brooks & Dunn are nominated for seven awards including Entertainer of the Year, Top Vocal Duo, Album of the Year for Hillbilly Deluxe, Video of the Year for “Hillbilly Deluxe,” and Vocal Event of the Year for “Building Bridges” with Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow. They have previously been awarded 21 Academy of Country Music Awards as a duo, with Ronnie Dunn having received 22 Academy of Country Music Awards in total.
Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn is nominated in seven categories as part of Brooks & Dunn (see above) and also has additional solo nomination in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “I Don’t Want To” with Ashley Monroe.
Rascal Flatts are nominated in six categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Vocal Group, Album of the Year for Me and My Gang, and Single Record of the Year for “What Hurts the Most.”
They have previously been awarded six Academy of Country Music Awards.
(Carrie Underwood has five nominations including Top Female Vocalist, Album of the Year for Some Hearts, along with Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year all for “Before He Cheats.” She was awarded two Academy of Country Music Awards last year—Top New Female and Single Record of the Year—in her first year to ever be nominated for a country music award.
Big & Rich received four nominations including Top Vocal Duo, Video of the Year for “8th of November” and for Vocal Event of the Year for “That’s How They Do It In Dixie,” with Hank Williams Jr., Gretchen Wilson and Van Zant.
John Rich has an additional nomination for producing Gretchen Wilson’s single, “Politically Uncorrect” which brings his total to five nominations.
Vince Gill, Josh Turner and Gretchen Wilson all received three nominations. Vince Gill received nods for both artist and producer for Album of the Year for These Days, and Vocal Event of the Year for “Building Bridges.” Josh Turner is nominated for Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Would You Go With Me,” and Vocal Event of the Year for “Me and God.” Gretchen Wilson is nominated for Vocal Event of the Year for both “Politically Uncorrect” and “That’s How They Do It In Dixie,” for the former, she receives an additional producing nod.
Kenny Chesney – on hand at the press conference to read the nominations live– received two nominations, one each for Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist. He has previously been awarded six Academy of Country Music Awards including reigning, back-to-back Entertainer of the Year wins. Sugarland, also on hand to read nominations, received one nod in the Top Vocal Duo category. They were last year’s Top New Duo or Vocal Group winner.
Members of the Academy of Country Music select the nominees and winners of the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS. Host, presenters and performers who will appear on the special will be announced at a later date.
Following is the list of final nominees in the 13 categories voted on by the membership. Winners in each of the following categories will be presented with an ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD during the television broadcast:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
•
Brooks & Dunn
•
Kenny Chesney
•
Tim McGraw
•
Rascal Flatts
•
George Strait
TOP MALE VOCALIST
•
Kenny Chesney
•
Toby Keith
•
Brad Paisley
•
George Strait
•
Keith Urban
TOP FEMALE VOCALIST
•
Sara Evans
•
Faith Hill
•
Miranda Lambert
•
Martina McBride
•
Carrie Underwood
TOP VOCAL GROUP
•
Diamond Rio
•
Emerson Drive
•
Little Big Town
•
Lonestar
•
Rascal Flatts
TOP VOCAL DUO
•
Big & Rich
•
Brooks & Dunn
•
Montgomery Gentry
•
Sugarland
•
The Wreckers
TOP NEW MALE VOCALIST
•
Rodney Atkins
•
Craig Morgan
•
Chris Young
TOP NEW FEMALE VOCALIST
•
Miranda Lambert
•
Kellie Pickler
•
Taylor Swift
TOP NEW DUO OR VOCAL GROUP
•
Heartland
•
Little Big Town
•
The Wreckers
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
•
Hillbilly Deluxe - Brooks & Dunn (Arista Nashville)
Produced by Tony Brown, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks
#3 Produced by Mark Wright, Tony Brown, Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks
# 6 Original demo produced by Kix Brooks, Tom Shapiro
•
It Just Comes Natural - George Strait (MCA Nashville)
Produced by Tony Brown, George Strait
•
Me and My Gang - Rascal Flatts (Lyric Street Records)
Produced by Dann Huff, Rascal Flatts
•
Home Hearts - Carrie Underwood (19 Recordings Limited/Arista Records)
#1, 2, 4, 7, 10 & 13 Produced by Mark Bright
#3, 6, 8, 9, 11 & 12 Produced by Dann Huff
•
These Days - Vince Gill (MCA Nashville)
Produced by Vince Gill, John Hobbs, Justin Niebank
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
•
Before He Cheats
Carrie Underwood, Produced by Mark Bright
19 Recordings Limited/Arista Records
•
Give It Away
George Strait, Produced by Tony Brown, George Strait
MCA Nashville
•
I Loved Her First
Heartland, Produced by Walt Aldridge
Lofton Creek Records
•
What Hurts the Most
Rascal Flatts, Produced by Dann Huff, Rascal Flatts
Lyric Street Records
•
Would You Go With Me
Josh Turner, Produced by Frank Rogers
MCA Nashville
SONG OF THE YEAR [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
•
Amarillo Sky
Jason Aldean
Writers: John Rich, Big Kenny, Rodney Clawson, Bart Pursley
Publishers: © 2005 Rich Texan Music (ASCAP), Bound For Sound Music (ASCAP) All
rights admin. By WB Music Corp. (ASCAP) Big Love Music (BMI) Admin. By Carol
Vincent and Associates. Grinnin’ Girl Music (BMI) Bar Two Beat One Music (ASCAP)
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
•
Before He Cheats
Carrie Underwood
Writers: Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear
Publishers: That Little House Music (ASCAP)/ Mighty Underdog Music/Sony/ATV Cross
Keys Publishing (ASCAP)
•
Give It Away
George Strait
Writers: Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon, Jamey Johnson
Publishers: © 2006 Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Mr. Bubba Music, Inc., admin. by Sony/ATV
Music Publishing (BMI); Run Slow Music, admin. By ICG (ASCAP); EMI Blackwood
Music Inc. (BMI)
(more)
•
If You're Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)
Rodney Atkins
Writers: Sam and Annie Tate, Dave Berg
Publishers: Gravonitron Music, Whaddayadef Music, Cal IV Songs, BerdBrain Music
•
Would You Go With Me
Josh Turner
Writers: Shawn Camp, John Scott Sherrill
Publishers: © 2005 Sony/ATV Songs LLC/All Mighty Dog Music/Travelin' Arkansawyer
Music, admin. By Sony/ATV Music Publishing; Sony/ATV Songs LLC/All Mighty Dog
Music/City Wolf Music, admin. By Sony/ATV Music Publishing (BMI)
VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
•
8th of November - Big & Rich
Producer: Steve Lamar
Director: George Deaton, Robert Flanigan, Marc Oswald
•
Amarillo Sky - Jason Aldean
Producer: Brittany Hailes
Director: Wes Edwards
•
Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood
Producer: Randy Brewer
Director: Roman White
•
Hillbilly Deluxe -Brooks & Dunn
Producer: Mark Kalbfeld
Director: Michael Salomon
•
Seashores of Old Mexico -George Strait
Producer: Shelli Jury
Director: Trey Fanjoy
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
•
Building Bridges -Brooks & Dunn with Vince Gill & Sheryl Crow Produced by Tony Brown, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks Arista Nashville
•
I Don't Want To -Ashley Monroe & Ronnie Dunn Produced by Mark Wright Columbia Nashville
•
Me and God -Josh Turner featuring Dr. Ralph Stanley and Marty Roe, Dana Williams and
Gene Johnson of Diamond Rio Produced by Frank Rogers MCA Nashville
•
Politically Uncorrect - Gretchen Wilson featuring Merle Haggard
Produced by Gretchen Wilson, John Rich and Mark Wright Columbia Nashville
•
That's How They Do It In Dixie - Hank Williams Jr. with Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich and Van Zant
Produced by Doug Johnson for Curb Productions Curb Records
The 42nd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ceremony honoring country music’s top talent as well as the industry’s hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC, an artist and industry-driven organization, exists to produce a world-class network television awards show, and its associated events, to provide the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of its Charitable Fund. Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund promotes and supports music education and humanitarian programs that transform the human spirit. Through its charitable donations, the ACMCF works towards two main goals: encouraging Learning Through Music and Healing Through Music. The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,500 professional members and more than 40,000 associate members, was established in 1964 and is headquartered in Encino, Calif.
For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC, please visit www.acmcountry.com. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC CHARITABLE FUND, please visit www.acmcf.org.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is produced for television by dick clark
productions. The show is executive produced by Allen Shapiro and R.A. Clark, and produced by Barry Adelman. The executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo, and the executive in charge is Francis LaMaina.
NOMINATIONS FAST FACTS
*2006 ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES
***Please note, though the awards are presented in the calendar year 2007,
the honors are bestowed for works produced in 2006.***
TOP NOMINEES:
•
George Strait is the top nominee, earning eight nominations total
•
Brooks & Dunn received seven nominations, and Ronnie Dunn received an additional nod for producing
•
Carrie Underwood earned five nominations
•
Big & Rich and Rascal Flatts each earned four nominations. John Rich earned an
additional nod, giving him five nominations in total •
Vince Gill, Josh Turner and Gretchen Wilson earned three nominations
•
If Kenny Chesney is named Entertainer of the Year, he will be one of only four artists to win the honor three or more consecutive times, joining Alabama (has won five consecutively), Garth Brooks (has won four consecutively) and Hank Williams Jr. (has one 3 consecutively).
•
Should Tim McGraw or Rascal Flatts win Entertainer of the Year, they will be eligible for the Academy of Country Music’s Triple Crown, which salutes artists that have won in the Top New Vocalist/Duo/Group, Top Male/Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Yearcategories. Current Triple Crown winners include Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Dixie Chicks, Mickey Gilley, Merle Haggard and Barbara Mandrell.
•
This is Rascal Flatts second Entertainer of the Year nomination. If they win in the Top Vocal Group, they will have tied with Alabama for most consecutive wins in that category – five years running.
•
Brooks & Dunn have been honored by the Academy more than any other artist, with a total of 21 Academy of Country Music Awards. If they do not win in any category and George Strait wins in all eight categories he is nominated in, Strait will surpass the Brooks & Dunn trophy count!
•
Brooks & Dunn also hold the most awards in the Top Vocal Duo category with a total of 13 wins. The only other duo that comes close to their number are The Judds, who won the title for seven consecutive years, from 1984-1990.
•
First time nominees include Rodney Atkins, Sheryl Crow, Heartland, Ashley Monroe,
Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, The Wreckers, and Chris Young.
•
In the Academy’s 42 year history, Merle Haggard has been honored through the decades – 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s – and his nomination for “Politically Uncorrect” with Gretchen Wilson could mark his first win in the 21st century!
Academy of Country Music and GAC Present... Showcases 2007 ACM Awards Newcomer Nominees
Exclusive Nine-Week Series Highlights Lives and Careers of Country Music's Rising Stars
Mar. 5, 2007 Great American Country, where country music lives all the time, will showcase the future stars of country music in a special nine-part series, Academy of Country Music and GAC Present:... premiering Monday, March 12, at 8 p.m. ET (re-air at 9 p.m. PT / Midnight ET). Popular GAC personality Lorianne Crook will host the series, whose debut episode will feature the Academy's Top New Duo or Vocal Group nominee Little Big Town. Taylor Swift, nominated in the Top New Female Vocalist category, will be the subject of the second episode on March 19.
Each Monday evening through May 7, GAC will devote an entire program to an individual artist or group nominated in the Top New categories in 2007 Academy of Country Music Awards: Top New Male Vocalist, Top New Female Vocalist and Top New Duo or Vocal Group. The winner in each category will be unveiled during the 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards program on May 15.
"GAC has been a part of the careers of these artists since before they released their first videos. They have all been fan favorites on our Top 20 Country Countdown, and we are delighted to shine a bit more light on them at such a noteworthy moment in their careers," said Sarah Trahern, senior vice president of programming at GAC.
Each of the nine half-hour episodes will highlight the impressive successes each artist has attained during the past year and will include the artist's thoughts about his or her career and future opportunities.
"The Academy of Country Music has had a long heritage of honoring country music greats for the first time. Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood are just a few of a very long list who won their first awards at our show," said Bob Romeo, Executive Director. "Our partners, GAC, understand how important it is to showcase new talent. This new series is a great example of how two country music organizations can come together to help foster country's rising stars. Giving each Top New Artist nominee a half hour to show America what GAC and the Academy of Country Music already know, that these are the artists to watch."
ACM Award nominees to be featured on GAC include:
Top New Male Vocalist: Rodney Atkins, Craig Morgan and Chris Young.
Top New Female Vocalist: Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift.
Top New Duo or Vocal Group: Heartland, Little Big Town and The Wreckers.
Log on to http://www.GACTV.com for the latest program information and schedule.
About the Academy of Country Music
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC, an artist and industry-driven organization, exists to produce a world-class network television awards show, and its associated events, to provide the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of its Charitable Fund. Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund promotes and supports music education and humanitarian programs that transform the human spirit. Through its charitable donations, the ACMCF works towards two main goals: encouraging Learning Through Music and Healing Through Music. The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,500 professional members and more than 40,000 associate members, was established in 1964 and is headquartered in Encino, Calif.
About Great American Country
Great American Country is America's main street for the widest variety of country music, its artists and the lifestyles they influence. In addition to country music videos, GAC features original programming, special musical performances and live concerts, and is the exclusive television home of the Grand Ole Opry. GAC is available in more than 46 million households and online at http://www.GACTV.com.
Country Music Superstars Brooks & Dunn Selected as Recipients of The Academy of Country Music(R)/The Home Depot(R) Humanitarian Award
Award to Be Presented During the 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards To Air Live From MGM Grand in Las Vegas Tuesday, May 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS
The Academy of Country Music(R) and The Home Depot(R) announced today that country music superstars Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of multi-platinum BROOKS & DUNN will be the 2007 recipients of the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award, to be presented during the 42nd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ceremony honoring country music's top talent as well as the industry's hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
In its sixth year, the Humanitarian Award recognizes artists who serve others, have a generous spirit and help build the dreams of those in need. BROOKS & DUNN, the Academy of Country Music Awards all-time trophy leaders, were selected by a special blue-ribbon committee comprised of executives in the country music industry as well as local and national philanthropic leaders for their ongoing community service and charitable giving of their time and talent.
"Over the years, Kix and Ronnie have done so much to help others. But what strikes me about them is that they do it with joy and laughter," said Gayle Holcomb, chairman of the board of directors. "The Academy often uses the phrase 'Party for a Cause(TM)'. These two guys take a party wherever they go and others feel their burdens are lighter because of it."
As the recipient of the Humanitarian Award, BROOKS & DUNN will receive a beautiful crystal trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. during the live CBS telecast. They will also be honored with a playground donated by The Home Depot and the company's national nonprofit partner KaBOOM!, which envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. The playground will be built by The Home Depot volunteers and community members in the city of BROOKS & DUNN's choice. Past recipients of the Humanitarian Award include Vince Gill, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Neal McCoy and Reba McEntire.
"Philanthropy and giving back are embedded in The Home Depot culture and are at the core of the Humanitarian Award," said Roger Adams, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of The Home Depot. "Through their charitable giving and community service, Kix and Ronnie truly exemplify the values represented by both The Home Depot and the Academy of Country Music. We are proud to recognize them for their contributions and impact on improving our local communities."
"In our career, Ronnie and I have done things we could have only dreamed of, but the most rewarding has been when we've made a difference for someone else," said Brooks.
"We appreciate The Home Depot and the Academy giving us this award, but what makes it even better is that a bunch of kids will get a new playground," added Dunn.
THE RECIPIENTS
Brooks & Dunn have worked with so many charities, some of which have included Hurricane Katrina relief, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House and Laughter for the Children that benefits a Nashville children's home. They also hold the distinction of being the top- selling country duo in history, selling 30 million albums that have yielded a whopping 23 #1 singles and 40 Top 10 songs. Their tours continually rank as some of the top grossing in any musical genre.
THE HOME DEPOT
The Home Depot(R) is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with more than 2,163 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, 10 Canadian provinces, Mexico and China. Through its HD Supply(SM) businesses, The Home Depot is also one of the largest diversified wholesale distributors in the United States, with nearly 1,000 locations in the United States and Canada offering products and services for building, improving and maintaining homes, businesses and municipal infrastructures. In fiscal 2006, The Home Depot had sales of $90.8 billion and earnings of $5.8 billion. The Company employs approximately 355,000 associates and has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as the No. 1 Most Admired Specialty Retailer and the No. 13 Most Admired Corporation in America for 2006. The Home Depot's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 index.
ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC, an artist and industry-driven organization, exists to produce a world-class network television awards show, and its associated events, to provide the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of its Charitable Fund. Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund promotes and supports music education and humanitarian programs that transform the human spirit. Through its charitable donations, the ACMCF works towards two main goals: encouraging Learning Through Music and Healing Through Music. The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,500 professional members and more than 40,000 associate members, was established in 1964 and is headquartered in Encino, Calif.
For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC, please visit www.acmcountry.com. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC CHARITABLE FUND, please visit www.acmcf.org.
ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is produced for television by dick clark productions. The show is executive produced by Allen Shapiro and R.A. Clark, and produced by Barry Adelman. The executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo, and the executive in charge is Francis LaMaina.
Source: The Academy of Country Music
Web site: http://www.acmcountry.com/
http://www.acmcf.org/
