Just a reminder to country fans that online voting for the 45th Academy of Country Music Awards' three newcomer categories—Solo, Vocal Duo and Group—will begin Friday, Feb. 26, at 9 a.m. (ET) and close March 12 at 5 p.m. (ET).
For the second consecutive year, those interested in having a say in this trio of categories may do so via VoteACM.com. One winner in each category will compete in the online vote for Top New Artist, which will run April 1 through the April 18 awards show telecast on CBS-TV.
The nominees in the aforementioned categories that will be open for fan voting are as follows:
Top New Solo vocalist
* Luke Bryan
* Jamey Johnson
* Chris Young
Top New Vocal Duo
* Bomshel
* Joey + Rory
* Steel Magnolia
Top New Vocal Group
* Eli Young Band
* Gloriana
* The Lost Trailers
The 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, a three-hour special hosted once more by Reba McEntire, will be broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18, beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) on CBS-TV.
"No one does it better than Reba McEntire," said Orly Adelson, executive producer of the awards. "She always brings spunk and personality to the show and we are honored to have the queen of country music back to host theaAwards for the 12th time."
In related ACM Awards news, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, the best-selling duo in the history of country music, will receive the ACM's Milestone Award in recognition of their 20-year record-breaking career during a tribute concert special, ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn--The Last Rodeo.
The pair will be honored for holding the record for the most wins of any artist in the academy's history, with 26 awards in total, including three Entertainer of the Year awards. They will also be honored for holding the record for most Top Vocal Duo wins, with 15 awards, eight of which are consecutive from 2000 to 2007.
Artists already scheduled to perform at the taping include superstars Kenny Chesney, McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, and Keith Urban, with many more to be announced.
To date, Brooks & Dunn have had 23 No. 1 singles, sold more than 30 million records and won more than 80 major industry awards during their career. In August 2009, they announced they will retire as a duo in 2010 and embark on a final farewell tour this summer dubbed The Last Rodeo.
"Brooks & Dunn have defined country music for 20 years," said Bob Romeo, executive director of the ACM. "With this all-star concert tribute, the academy is honored to recognize Kix and Ronnie for their contributions to the country music industry, fans and to all the artists they have helped get a break in this business."
To see who took home ACM trophies in last year's contest, click here.
Related reading: Category changes coming to 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards, Artist overview: Country music's Bombshel, Reba McEntire leaves MCA Records after 25 years, Country singer Jamey Johnson's 'In Color' hit, Traditional country's Joey + Rory find success, Country duo Joey + Rory issue last-minute invite to March 10 video shoot, Rage against the recession: The Lost Trailers' new tour gives back to communities, Focus of The Lost Trailers' new tour lands band on AP Television and CNN, The Lost Trailers on Twitter and The Lost Trailers break attendance record in Michigan, promote new single
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