What are they thinking? 2009 CMA Awards finalists share their thoughts on the honor

October 10, 5:12 AMNashville Country Music ExaminerLisa L. Rollins

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Miranda Lambert's third CD just debuted at No. 1.
Can she score a CMA this year, too? (Photo: Epic)

With the 43rd Annual CMA Awards just around the corner, country fans have likely already finalized their respective lists of who they hope the final winner will be.

As for the genre's nominees themselves, it’s still an anxious, even a nail-biting time, until the Nov. 11 awards event. Moreover, one can't help but wonder what the respective finalists were thinking when each one learned he or she was in the running for country music’s most-coveted award?

Wonder no more, however, because thanks to the Nashville-based CMA, the answers to this question aren't quite the mystery they once seemed.

That said, the following, compliments of the CMA staff, is an overview of thoughts on the upcoming award nods, from behind-the-scenes nominees and first-time CMA finalists, such as Randy Houser and Darius Rucker, to old pros at collecting CMA trophies, including the ready-to-take-a-break Kenny Chesney and Randy Travis.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the CMA membership. I am an avid supporter as well as a member for all that CMA does for us to support and promote the genre and for many that are in need, with how CMA gives to charity from CMA Music Festival proceeds.”
Eddie Bayers, Musician of the Year

“This nomination makes me ever mindful of my blessings and humbly grateful to all who voted for our song.”
Bobby Braddock, Song of the Year

“So much of what we do to make an album is in a windowless 2 a.m. environment. To be so lucky as to have that work nominated and brought to light is beyond humbling and words can’t describe how I felt when the nominations came out. To be nominated as co-producer with such an extraordinary artist/entertainer/ singer/songwriter as Taylor is just one of the coolest things red-headed bald guys can say they’ve done—unless of course you’re Ron Howard. He’s pretty cool too.”
Nathan Paul Chapman, Album of the Year

“I am thrilled that a new generation of young country fans have had the opportunity to hear ‘I Told You So’ and are enjoying it once again. The song means so much to me, and to be able to collaborate with Carrie Underwood was pure joy.”
Randy Travis, Musical Event and Song of the Year

“I am always so honored to receive award nominations, but this year I am even more thrilled to share a nomination with Randy Travis. Collaborating with him on ‘I Told You So’ was a dream come true, and I am especially happy for him to be nominated for Song of the Year as the sole writer of this beautiful song.”
Carrie Underwood, Female Vocalist and Musical Event of the Year

“Watching the CMA Awards as a kid, I always said, ‘One day, I’m going to be on there.’ So this is a huge, huge thing. Finally, I feel like somebody actually listened. That’s all you could ever ask for.”
Randy Houser, New Artist and Music Video of the Year

Joey + Rory danced a jig over their CMA nod.
(Photo: Vanguard Records)

“I spend more of my time producing records than playing, so I’m aware of the high level of musicianship in this town because of the guys I hire. To be nominated amongst them is a high honor. I appreciate being in that category.”
Dann Huff, Album and Musician of the Year

“Wahoo! We’re dancing a jig on our kitchen floor! Today is Joey’s birthday — and what a birthday surprise. Thanks to everyone!”
Rory Feek of Joey + Rory, Vocal Duo of the Year

“Each time I’ve been nominated, it’s very validating but also very surreal to see my name listed next to legends like Reba. I mean, Reba McEntire. … There is no higher in country music.”
Miranda Lambert, Female Vocalist of the Year

“It’s really cool to be included among all these other great artists and we’re incredibly grateful to have our music recognized by our peers.”
Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town, Vocal Group of the Year

“I’m a guy that is hard to surprise, at a point in life that makes surprise even less likely. Yet here I sit with a CMA Awards nomination for singing a song with a real good friend, surprised as all git out. And when you wake up in the morning with music in your head (and hands and heart), it is truly a blessing to recognized for making music. Thanks to CMA for validating my license to pick. I’m honored.”
Mac McAnally, Musical Event and Musician of the Year

“When we originally wrote 'In Color,’ I knew it was special and for it to be acknowledged by our peers and the CMA is extremely rewarding. Jamey Johnson's performance of the song is amazing. He deserves every accolade he has received.”
James Otto, Song of the Year

“This is absolutely awe inspiring. I’ve never loved playing music as much as I have this year. The response to the new album has been divine and, given the crazy times we’re in, the celebratory atmosphere and positive energy night after night on this particular tour has been nothing short of a miracle—and we’re not even done yet!”
Keith Urban, Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Album, Music Video and Musical Event of the Year

Can Kenny Chesney will Entertainer of the Year
once more, as he hopes? (Photo: BMG)

“The more you do this, the more those nominations mean. You realize what it takes to receive an honor like this, especially from your peers who make it happen and know the work and commitment it takes. You’ve got to be humbled knowing what you do is recognized. … Moments like this force you to slow down and think about everything that goes into a nomination like this—all the pieces, the team who helps you pull stuff like this off and especially the faces of the fans when you’re on a gator in the parking lot or flying over them on that swing we used for entrances this year. Obviously, I want to win Entertainer. But looking at all of this, thinking about everything we’ve seen and done, in some ways I’ve already won because of the memories we made.”
Kenny Chesney, Entertainer, Male Vocalist and Musical Event of the Year

“Being halfway around the world and hearing that we got two CMA nominations is totally surreal. We’re so far from home, but we’re also really connected to Nashville because there are so many fans over here who absolutely love country music. Being in the Group of the Year category is just unbelievable because we feel like we’re only getting started. We still have so much to write about and say and do as artists. We honestly will never get used to seeing our name in the same category as the Eagles or Rascal Flatts.”
Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, Vocal Group and Single of the Year

“We work so hard at songwriting and trying to find subjects and sounds that resonate with people, so getting our first No. 1 hit and now a CMA nomination for ‘I Run to You’ totally blows my mind. It definitely helps us validate quitting our old day jobs to start a band.”
Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum, Vocal Group and Single of the Year

“I’d like to thank my wife Julie, my daughter Zoe and everyone in CMA who voted for me. … Wait. … Oh, I’m just being nominated! Sorry … it’s still an honor."
Brent Mason, Musician of the Year

“Everything with this record has been wild, and this really caps the year we’ve had with these two honors.”
Darius Rucker, Male Vocalist and New Artist of the Year

“This is our first nomination in the category for Album of the Year,” said Kristian Bush. Jennifer Nettles continued, “And we are thrilled. Writing is a joy for us and we loved putting our songs together for this album. Besides, what’s more satisfying than being honored for a collection of your scars, dreams and total dysfunction?”
Sugarland, Vocal Duo and Album of the Year

“I am jumping up and down surrounded by dogs and my mom and screaming like it’s Christmas morning. I’ll never forget this.”
Taylor Swift, Entertainer, Female Vocalist, Album and Music Video of the Year