Miranda Lambert has set a record with her 9 nominations. She is the female artist with the most nods for a single awards show in the history of the CMAs. She ties Merle Haggard's record that was set in 1990.
Miranda says, "I think my favorite part about the whole thing is that I've set the record. I've tied with my hero, my ultimate hero, who is Merle Haggard, for nine nominations in the history of the CMAs. that's just so fitting for me and I'm hoping that sets my career up for one as long as Merle Haggard's because it's a huge deal." Maybe November 10th will be lucky for Miranda - it's her 27th birthday.
When she found out she tweeted, "OH MY DEAR LORD! I can't believe this is happening. Thank you country music for letting me live my dream. God bless this industry!"
Alan Jackson broke Merle's record in 2002 when he had 10 nominations. Like Miranda, he had two songs competing in the same categories. She has "White Liar," and "The House That Built Me," while Alan had "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," and "Drive (for daddy Gene)." Miranda didn't write "The House That Built Me" so she didn't receive a Song of the year nod which would have allowed her to tie Alan.
Blake Shelton finally got a much deserved (and in MHO a long overdue) nod in the Male Vocalist category. Miranda tweeted "I'm so glad Blake finally got the recognition he deserves. He is one of the best vocalists in the format! And he's hot!" Blake is also up for "Hillbilly Bone" a couple of times and he said, "After ten years of being in this business I finally began to tell myself that nominations don't matter anyways...tuns out that's bull crap...Daddy likey!!!! Thanks to all!"
Keith Urban said, "I just found out about the noms...man, what can I say...HUGE MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who not only made these nominations possible, but also brought a whole new level of passion to our shows this year...from the fans, to country radio, to the Nashville community, I appreciate it more than you can possibly imagine!!!!!"
Lady Antebellum are up for five awards. Dave Haywood said, "The year just keeps getting better and better. Charles, Hillary and I are so thankful for our families and also the family we've made in Nashville within the music industry who continue to support us on this crazy ride." Hillary Scott says, regarding country radio and the fans, "They've given us the most incredible life...we definitely wouldn't be here without them." Charles Kelley adds, "I also want to give a shout-out to all our buddies who are having their moment right now too. going on this ride with other artists who you can call your friends is just awesome!"
Little Big Town (who's new album - The Reason Why - just debuted at number one) says, "This will be a week we never forget and we owe that to the incredible fans, country radio and our new label Capitol Records. We are so blessed to have our album debut at the top of the charts, and to have news of this nomination in the same week is just amazing."
The Band Perry says, "We are so humbled and just downright excited to be nominated for CMA Vocal Group of the Year. The three of us are huge country music fans and are honored to be in this category with some of our favorite artists. Big love and our deepest thanks to everyone for your rich support."
Jerrod Niemann says, "I got started as a songwriter, so I've been in the trenches a long time, and so for everybody to recognize that and give you a pat on the back and say thank you for hanging in there - although you had your puppies ran over a couple times, it's a huge honor, and I'm very excited and thankful."
Joey + Rory received their second nod for Duo of the Year, but Joey is proud of Rory's recognition for Single and Song of the year - he co-wrote Easton Corbin's "A Little More Country Than That." She says, "This nomination is truly a testament to not only what a great artist he is, but also what an incredible songwriter he is and has been all these years."
