The ACAs - The American Country Awards on FOX

Monday, Dec. 10, 2012

WINNERS OF THIRD ANNUAL “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS” ANNOUNCED

Luke Bryan Earns Nine Awards; Carrie Underwood Receives 11th ACA Award and Sets Record for Most Awards

Two-Hour Special Featured Performances by Co-Hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town and a Surprise Performance by Lynyrd Skynyrd

The following artists were honored tonight at the third annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, broadcast live on FOX from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

With nine awards, including Artist of the Year, Luke Bryan received the most awards, followed by Miranda Lambert, who received three awards. Following her two wins this year, Carrie Underwood has earned 11 ACA awards, the most ACA honors of any artist. Lady Antebellum’s wins in Artist of the Year: Group and Single of the Year: Group, plus their five previous awards, make them the group with the most ACA honors ever.

Fans logged on to www.theacas.com to cast votes in support of their favorite country music artists not only in traditional categories, but also in a previously unrecognized area – touring – encompassing the entire spectrum of country music.

Following is the list of categories and winners for the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS:

ARTISTS

Artist of the Year Luke Bryan

Artist of the Year: Male Luke Bryan

Artist of the Year: Female Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Group Lady Antebellum

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist Jake Owen

Artist of the Year: New Artist Lauren Alaina

Album

Album of the Year Luke Bryan, “tailgates & tanlines”

SINGLES

Single of the Year Luke Bryan, “I Don’t Want This Night To End”

Single of the Year: Male Luke Bryan, “I Don’t Want This Night To End”

Single of the Year: Female Miranda Lambert, “Over You”

Single of the Year: Group Lady Antebellum, “We Owned The Night”

Single of the Year: New Artist Hunter Hayes, “Wanted”

Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist Brantley Gilbert, “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do”

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration Brad Paisley (Duet with Carrie Underwood), “Remind Me”

TOURING

Touring Artist of the Year Jason Aldean

VIDEOS

Music Video of the Year Luke Bryan, “I Don’t Want This Night To End”

Music Video of the Year: Male Luke Bryan, “I Don’t Want This Night to End”

Music Video of the Year: Female Miranda Lambert, “Over You”

Music Video of the Year: Group or Collaboration Little Big Town, “Pontoon”                                               

Music Video of the Year: New Artist Hunter Hayes, “Wanted”

Song of the Year: Eric Church, “Springsteen” (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell)

Additionally, the following MOST PLAYED RADIO TRACK awards determined by Mediabase, were announced during tonight’s telecast:

Most Played Radio Track Luke Bryan, “I Don’t Want This Night to End”

Most Played Radio Track: Male Luke Bryan, “I Don’t Want This Night to End”

Most Played Radio Track: Female Miranda Lambert, “Over You”

Most Played Radio Track: Group Zac Brown Band, “Keep Me In Mind”

Most Played Radio Track: New Artist Kip Moore, “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck” 

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2012, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers. Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey directed the live special.

About Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is a unique destination resort set on 120 lush acres on the Las Vegas Strip. The resort offers three distinct hotel experiences: Mandalay Bay, a AAA Four Diamond award-winning hotel, with 3,211 luxurious rooms and suites reflecting a modern tropical ambiance; Four Seasons Hotel, a AAA Five Diamond hotel-within-a-hotel, offering 424 rooms and suites; and the stand-alone all-suite THEhotel, which will be redesigned and rebranded as Delano Las Vegas in early 2014. Mandalay Bay boasts an 11-acre tropical pool paradise, featuring real sand, a wave pool and the only climate-controlled, poolside gaming in the city. Other property highlights include world-class entertainment at the 12,000-seat Mandalay Bay Events Center, award-winning dining by celebrity chefs and restaurateurs, Shark Reef Aquarium and the 1.7-million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Mandalay Bay’s offerings also include BATHHOUSE Spa, House of Blues Concert Hall and restaurant, and The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, a collection of unique boutiques and restaurants. In 2013, Mandalay Bay will become home to a resident Cirque du Soleil production based on the music and choreography of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Mandalay Bay is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International™ (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit mandalaybay.com or call toll-free at (877) 632-7800 or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About BigChampagne
BigChampagne integrates, analyzes and reports information about the sale, broadcast and consumption of popular entertainment media. Our partners and sources for data include retailers, online and traditional (radio and television) broadcasters, major content companies, subscription services, social networks and other venues where entertainment is enjoyed.

About Mediabase
Mediabase monitors the airplay of more than 1,800 radio stations, updated continuously 24 hours daily. Mediabase produces historic and current airplay data for U.S. and Canadian radio stations, satellite radio and music television. Formats monitored include Mainstream Top 40, Rhythmic, Mainstream Rock, Active Rock, Modern Rock, Classic Rock, Triple A, Country, Oldies, AC, Hot AC, Urban, Urban AC, Smooth AC, Christian AC, Gospel and Latin.  In addition to providing vital airplay information to radio stations in the U.S. and Canada, Mediabase provides information to every major record label and distributor, as well as concert promoters, artists, managers, music publishers, movie studios, video game developers and more. Mediabase charts are published weekly in USA Today, and are used on nearly all radio countdown shows and dozens of websites and magazines.

About Pollstar
Pollstar is the only trade publication covering the worldwide concert industry. It has been supplying in-depth information to every professional concert promoter, booking agent, artist manager, facility executive and every other entity involved in the live entertainment business for more than 25 years. Pollstar gets its information primarily from the agents, managers and promoters who are producing concerts. It employs a staff of more than 25 full-time professionals who do nothing except research and build their tour database.

About Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade association. Established in 1967, the membership of more than 5,000 active and pro members spans the United States and six other countries. NSAI is dedicated to protecting the rights of and serving aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres of music.

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Friday, Dec. 7, 2012

KEITH URBAN TO PERFORM WITH YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM THE GRAMMY FOUNDATION®’S GRAMMY CAMP® ON “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS” MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, ON FOX

Hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth Also Set to Perform

Country music superstar Keith Urban is set to perform with seven young musicians who have participated in the GRAMMY Foundation®’s GRAMMY Camp® music program on the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, airing live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The performance is intended to highlight the need to support music-based initiatives that attract young people to music and encourage their musical pursuits. As part of the campaign, a $25,000 donation will be made to support the GRAMMY Foundation’s GRAMMY in the Schools® programs, including scholarship support for GRAMMY Camp.

Through the years, Urban’s commitment to music programs has been consistent and unwavering. He’s been an active participant in the efforts of The Grammy Foundation’s Grammy Camp and Nashville’s Music Makes Us program and has encouraged aspiring musicians by giving them the opportunity to perform. His annual We’re All For The Hall concerts have raised nearly $1.5 million for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which supports numerous music-based initiatives, and just recently he participated in the Hall’s first All Access music program.

Additionally, hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth each will be added to the list of performers for AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS.

The two-hour, star-studded special also will feature appearances by Eli Young Band, Lindsey Buckingham, Carmen Electra, Florida Georgia Line, Gloriana, Love and Theft, Penn & Teller and the San Francisco Giants’ Brandon Belt and Barry Zito. Previously announced participants include Natasha Bedingfield, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, champion cowboy Trevor Brazile, Casey James, Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch, Ron White and Chris Young.

The two-hour live music spectacular offers country music fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories, but also in a previously unrecognized area – touring – encompassing the entire spectrum of country music.

In 2001, the Country Music Association honored Keith Urban with its Horizon Award, designating him a talented artist with a bright future. He is the first Horizon Award winner in history to go on to win the CMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year, a title he’s captured three times, and the coveted Entertainer of the Year. More than 15 million albums later, Urban is a four-time Grammy Award winner, who has also won a People’s Choice and American Music Award. He’s won five Academy of Country Music Awards and had 14 No. 1 songs, including 28 Top 5 hits. In 2012, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. His latest CD, “Get Closer,” comes on the heels of his fifth consecutive platinum or multi-platinum release. It has produced three consecutive No. 1 singles: “You Gonna Fly,” “Long Hot Summer” and “Without You.”

In 2009, Urban was named radio’s most-played country artist, thanks to No. 1 hits such as “Sweet Thing,” “You’ll Think Of Me,” “Only You Can Love Me This Way,” “Better Life” and “Days Go By.” In addition, his 2002 smash, “Somebody Like You,” was named the No. 1 Country Song of the Decade by Nielsen BDS (based on radio airplay and audience impressions).

But Urban’s reputation as an elite songwriter, musician, vocalist and virtuoso guitarist is no more evident than when he is onstage. His electrifying concerts have played to sold-out venues in Australia, Germany, England, Canada and the United States, all while receiving high praise from critics. In fact, 2009’s Escape Together World Tour, as well as 2007’s Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy World Tour, were both, according to Pollstar, one of the top-grossing tours for their respective years. Last year, his Get Closer 2011 World Tour solidified Urban as one of the music industry’s best live performers.

About the GRAMMY Foundation’s GRAMMY Camp®
The GRAMMY Foundation’s GRAMMY Camp offers selected high school students an interactive residential summer music experience. Focusing on all aspects of commercial music, this unique opportunity provides instruction by industry professionals in an immersive creative environment with cutting-edge technology in professional facilities. The program offers seven music career tracks: Audio Engineering; Concert Promotion/Production; Electronic Music Production; Marketing & Management; Music Journalism; Songwriting and a Performance Track for Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keyboard, Vocal and Winds & Strings. All tracks culminate in media projects, recordings and/or showcase performances. The GRAMMY Camp application deadline is March 31, 2013. In the past, approximately 75 percent of GRAMMY Camp participants who have applied for financial aid received assistance. Applications are online now at www.GRAMMYintheSchools.com.

About the GRAMMY Foundation®
The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture — from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through programs and activities that engage the music industry and cultural community as well as the general public. The Foundation works in partnership year-round with its founder, The Recording Academy®, to bring national attention to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education and the urgency of preserving our rich cultural heritage. For more information, please visit www.grammyintheschools.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, please like “GRAMMY in the Schools” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grammyintheschools and follow us on Twitter @GRAMMYFdn.

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2012, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers. Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the live special.

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Monday, Nov. 19, 2012

RASCAL FLATTS, KIP MOORE AND JAKE OWEN TO PERFORM AT “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS” LIVE MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, ON FOX

Miranda Lambert, Natasha Bedingfield, Ron White and Eight-Time World Champion Cowboy Trevor Brazile Among Stars Scheduled to Appear

Voting Continues for Artist of the Year Until Friday, December 7 at www.theacas.com

Top Five Vote-Getters for Song of the Year Announced

Rascal Flatts, Kip Moore and Jake Owen are set to perform at the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS (ACA) airing live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Owen, Moore and Rascal Flatts will join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan and Little Big Town.

The star-studded special also will feature appearances by Miranda Lambert, Natasha Bedingfield, Ron White and champion cowboy Trevor Brazile. Previously announced participants include Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Casey James, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch and Chris Young. Additional performers and presenters to be announced soon.

The two-hour live music spectacular offers country music fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories, but also in a previously unrecognized area – touring – encompassing the entire spectrum of country music.

Voting for Artist of the Year continues until Friday, Dec. 7 at www.theacas.com.

In addition to the previously announced nominations, the nominees and Top Five fan vote recipients for the inaugural Song of the Year category are:

Song of the Year:
“A Woman Like You,” performed by Lee Brice (Phil Barton, Johnny Bulford, Jon Stone)
“Fly Over States,” performed by Jason Aldean (Michael Dulaney, Neil Thrasher)
“Red Solo Cup,” performed by Toby Keith (Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
“Springsteen,” performed by Eric Church (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)
“Tattoos On This Town,” performed by Jason Aldean (Michael Dulaney, Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher)

Rascal Flatts is the best-selling country vocal group of the past decade. The No. 1 debut of their new release, “Changed,” earned them the distinction of being one of only four acts to have seven consecutive studio albums debut in the top spot on the Billboard Country Albums chart during the Soundscan era. Since their musical debut in 2000, the band has sold more than 21 million albums, 25 million digital downloads and delivered 14 No. 1 singles to the top of the charts. Rascal Flatts is the most awarded country music group of the past decade, earning more than 40 trophies from the ACAs, the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs), the American Music Awards (AMAs), the Country Music Awards (CMAs), the People's Choice Awards and more. They are currently nominated for four ACAs.

Kip Moore is a country singer/songwriter from Tifton, GA. He released his debut album, “Up All Night” (produced by Brett James), on April 24, 2012 via MCA Nashville. “Up All Night” debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Country Album chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200. It is the best-selling album for a debut artist in 2012. Moore’s single, “Somethin' 'Bout a Truck,” spent two week’s at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Songs Chart and the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart and has been certified platinum. Moore is nominated for three ACA’s, including Artist of the Year: New Artist, Single of the Year: New Artist and Music Video of the Year: New Artist. He is currently on the road touring with Eric Church on the Blood, Sweat & Beers tour. His current single, “Beer Money,” is No. 7 on the Billboard Country Songs chart.

Jake Owen’s chart-topping 2011 album, Barefoot Blue Jean Night, has launched back-to-back, multi-week No. 1 hits with the platinum-selling title track and the gold-certified “Alone with You.” Nominated for four ACAs, Owen’s current single from the album, “The One That Got Away,” is already a Top 5 hit and climbing at country radio. After playing to packed stadiums this summer on Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw’s blockbuster Brothers of the Sun tour, Owen launched his first headlining tour, CMT On Tour Jake Owen: The Summer Never Ends 2012. He is making CMT history by having the most consecutive sold-out shows since the tour's inception 11 years ago. His new “Endless Summer” EP made an impressive debut at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. Owen first captured the national spotlight with hits “Startin’ with Me,” “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” and “Eight Second Ride.” His revival of “Life in a Northern Town,” with Sugarland and Little Big Town in 2008, earned him Grammy and CMA Award nominations. Owen was named 2009’s Top New Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music, and earlier this year, Entertainment Weekly’s music issue ranked him among The 30 Greatest Artists Right Now.

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2012, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers. Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the live special.

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Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012

JASON ALDEAN, LADY ANTEBELLUM, DIERKS BENTLEY, LUKE BRYAN AND LITTLE BIG TOWN TO PERFORM AT “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS” LIVE MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, ON FOX

Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Casey James, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch and Chris Young Among Stars Scheduled to Appear

Voting Continues for Your Favorite Nominees Until Monday, November 12 and for Artist of the Year Continues Until Friday, December 7 at www.theacas.com

Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan and Little Big Town are set to perform at the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS (ACA) airing live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, the two-hour event will also feature appearances by Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Casey James, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch and Chris Young. Additional performers and presenters to be announced soon.

The two-hour live music spectacular offers country music fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories, but also in a previously unrecognized area – touring – encompassing the entire spectrum of country music.

Voting for all categories remains open until Monday, Nov. 12 at www.theacas.com. Voting for Artist of the Year continues until Friday, Dec. 7.

With more than seven million records sold and 10 No. 1 hits under his belt, entertainer Jason Aldean just released one of 2012’s most buzzed-about new albums, “Night Train,” which sold over 409,000 copies its first week. The album’s first single, “Take A Little Ride,” has already had a three-week reign at No. 1 and set multiple sales and radio airplay records. He has sold out every show on his My Kinda Party Tour, and he recently announced that he will play at least three stadiums in 2013. Aldean swept the ACAs last year, taking home six awards, including Artist of the Year. He is nominated five times this year.

Grammy Award-winning country music trio Lady Antebellum’s current album, “Own The Night,” debuted at the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Top 200 and has spawned two No. 1 hits: “We Owned The Night” and “Just A Kiss.” In the spirit of the changing seasons, Lady A recently released their first full-length holiday album, “On This Winter’s Night.” They also wrapped a headlining tour that traveled the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, on which they were joined by more than one million fans in 11 countries on three continents. They will release their first live film, “Own The Night World Tour,” on Dec. 4. The trio has sold more than 11 million albums across the globe, scored seven Grammy Awards and tallied six No. 1 hits. The group has earned six ACA nominations this year.

Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley has forged his own brand of country music, combining classic country songwriting, influences of bluegrass instrumentation and the energy of rock ’n’ roll.  Bentley’s sixth studio album, “Home,” released earlier this year, debuted at No. 1 and has spawned three consecutive chart-topping hits, marking 10 career No. 1 songs for Bentley as a singer and songwriter. His five previous studio albums have sold more than five million copies and earned him an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. In 2013, Bentley will hit the road with Miranda Lambert for their headlining Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley: Locked & Reloaded Tour, kicking off Jan. 17. He is up for one ACA award this year.

As the most nominated act at this year’s ACAs with seven nods, Luke Bryan recently celebrated three back-to-back double platinum singles: “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” “I Don't Want This Night To End” and “Drunk On You,” all from his platinum-certified album, “tailgates & tanlines.” The Leesburg, GA, native has achieved five career No. 1 singles and “tailgates & tanlines” has remained a Top 5 album for all of 2012. He just wrapped his charitable Farm Tour endeavor, for which a portion of the tour proceeds helped create college scholarships. On the tour, Bryan performed for 100,000 fans in eight shows, doubling the attendance record from last year’s run. Bryan will launch his first major headline tour in early 2013, the Dirt Road Diaries Tour.

Platinum-selling group Little Big Town first entered the music scene more than 13 years ago with hits such as “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home” and “Little White Church.” The band recently earned the biggest selling album debut of their career with the release of “Tornado,” which sold 112,758 units in its first week. The critically acclaimed “Tornado” remained in the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Country Albums chart for five consecutive weeks. The album’s two-week No. 1 single, “Pontoon,” has sold more than one million downloads and their current single, “Tornado,” is their fastest-rising to date. The group is up for one ACA award this year.

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2012, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers. Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the live special.

To apply for press credentials for the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, please visit www.foxcredentials.com

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Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THIRD ANNUAL "AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS"
AIRING LIVE MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, ON FOX

Newly Added "Song of the Year" Category Recognizes Songwriters

Luke Bryan Earns Seven Nominations; Lady Antebellum and Zac Brown Band Garner Six Nominations Each

The third annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS will air live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Luke Bryan leads the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS nominees with seven nominations; Lady Antebellum and Zac Brown Band each earned six nods; and Eric Church and Taylor Swift garnered five nominations.

A "Song of the Year" category also has been added to this year’s event, in an effort to pay tribute not only to country music’s top performers, but to its top songwriters, as well. The nominees are determined by the Professional Songwriting Division of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Starting today, fans can vote once each day for their favorite AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS nominees at www.theacas.com. Voting is open until Monday, Nov. 12 for all categories, except for Artist of the Year, which closes on Friday, Dec. 7. The nominees for each award category have been determined by four media measurement companies: BigChampagne (record sales and media consumption); Great American Country (video airplay); Mediabase (radio airplay); Pollstar (touring data); and Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Hosted by multi-platinum recording artist Trace Adkins and Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth, the two-hour live music spectacular is the only country music awards show that gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories but also in a previously unrecognized area – touring – encompassing the entire spectrum of country music and bestowing honors that no other awards show has.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS will feature performances and appearances by the year’s chart-topping country artists. Performers and presenters will be announced soon.

Following is the list of categories and nominees for the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS:

ARTISTS

Artist of the Year Jason Aldean Luke Bryan Lady Antebellum Taylor Swift Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Male Jason Aldean Luke Bryan Kenny Chesney Eric Church Toby Keith

Artist of the Year: Female Sara Evans Miranda Lambert Martina McBride Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Group The Band Perry Eli Young Band Lady Antebellum Rascal Flatts Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist Lee Brice Colt Ford Gloriana Justin Moore Jake Owen

Artist of the Year: New Artist Lauren Alaina Hunter Hayes Jana Kramer Kip Moore Pistol Annies

Album

Album of the Year Dierks Bentley, "Home" Luke Bryan, "tailgates & tanlines" Eric Church, "Chief" Lady Antebellum, "Own the Night" Blake Shelton, "Red River Blue"

SINGLES

Single of the Year Jason Aldean, "Tattoos On This Town" Luke Bryan, "I Don’t Want This Night To End" Eric Church, "Drink In My Hand" Chris Young, "You" Zac Brown Band, "Keep Me In Mind"

Single of the Year: Male Jason Aldean, "Tattoos On This Town" Luke Bryan, "I Don’t Want This Night To End" Kenny Chesney, "Reality" Eric Church, "Drink In My Hand" Chris Young, "You"

Single of the Year: Female Sara Evans, "My Heart Can’t Tell You No" Miranda Lambert, "Over You" Martina McBride, "I’m Gonna Love You Through It" Taylor Swift, "Ours" Carrie Underwood, "Good Girl"

Single of the Year: Group Eli Young Band, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" Lady Antebellum, "We Owned The Night" Rascal Flatts, "Banjo" The Band Perry, "All Your Life" Zac Brown Band, "Keep Me In Mind"

Single of the Year: New Artist Hunter Hayes, "Wanted" Jana Kramer, "Why Ya Wanna" Dustin Lynch, "Cowboys and Angels" Kip Moore, "Somethin’ ’Bout A Truck" The Farm, "Home Sweet Home"

Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist Lee Brice, "A Woman Like You" Brantley Gilbert, "You Don’t Know Her Like I Do" Gloriana, "(Kissed You) Good Night" David Nail, "Let It Rain" Jake Owen, "Alone With You"

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration Kix Brooks featuring Joe Walsh, "New To This Town" Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, "Feel Like A Rock Star" Brad Paisley featuring Carrie Underwood, "Remind Me" Rascal Flatts featuring Natasha Bedingfield, "Easy" Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmy Buffett, "Knee Deep"

TOURING

Touring Artist of the Year Kenny Chesney Lady Antebellum Miranda Lambert Tim McGraw Brad Paisley Eric Church Toby Keith Rascal Flatts Taylor Swift Zac Brown Band Jason Aldean

VIDEOS

Music Video of the Year Luke Bryan, "I Don’t Want This Night To End" Jake Owen, "Alone With You" Blake Shelton, "God Gave Me You" Keith Urban, "For You" Chris Young, "You"

Music Video: Male Luke Bryan, "I Don’t Want This Night to End" Jake Owen, "Alone With You" Blake Shelton, "God Gave Me You" Keith Urban, "For You" Chris Young, "You"

Music Video: Female Sara Evans, "My Heart Can’t Tell You No" Miranda Lambert, "Over You" Martina McBride, "I’m Gonna Love You Through It" Taylor Swift, "Ours" Carrie Underwood, "Good Girl"

Music Video: Group or Collaboration Gloriana, "(Kissed You) Good Night" Lady Antebellum, "Dancin’ Away With My Heart" Little Big Town, "Pontoon" Love and Theft, "Angel Eyes" The Band Perry, "All Your Life"

Music Video: New Artist Hunter Hayes, "Wanted" Casey James, "Let’s Don’t Call It A Night" Jana Kramer, "Why You Wanna" Dustin Lynch, "Cowboys and Angels" Kip Moore, "Somethin’ ’Bout A Truck"

Song of the Year: Trace Adkins, "Just Fishin’" (Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell and Ed Hill) Jason Aldean, "Fly Over States," (Michael Dulaney and Neil Thrasher) Jason Aldean, "Tattoos On This Town" (Michael Dulaney, Wendell Mobley and Neil Thrasher) Lee Brice, "A Woman Like You" (Phil Barton, Johnny Bulford and Jon Stone) Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, "You And Tequila" (Matraca Berg and Deana Carter) Ronnie Dunn, "Cost of Livin’" (Phillip Coleman and Ronnie Dunn) Eli Young Band, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" (Will Hoge and Eric Paslay) Toby Keith, "Red Solo Cup" (Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, Brad Warren and Brett Warren) Eric Church, "Springsteen" (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell) Tim McGraw, "Better Than I Used to Be" (Ashley Gorley& Bryan Simpson)

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2012, "Kids’ Choice Awards"). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers; and Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special.

Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012

TRACE ADKINS AND KRISTIN CHENOWETH RETURN AS HOSTS OF "AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS" THIS DECEMBER ON FOX

Multi-platinum recording artist Trace Adkins and Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth return as hosts of the third annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, airing from Las Vegas this December on FOX. The awards show will take place at Mandalay Bay. Nominations to be announced soon.

"The ACAs honor the best and brightest of country music, from the hotshot breakthrough artists to the icons," said Adkins. "I'm looking forward to cutting loose again with Kristin, who's quite the firecracker comedienne, while we also take viewers through an evening of great music and awards."

"I'm excited to return to the ACA stage with Trace and his big personality and even bigger boots," said Chenoweth. "We had a blast last year and I plan to pull out all the stops to make sure everyone has a good time!"

The AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is the only country music awards show that gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories but also in previously unrecognized areas of the business such as touring, encompassing the entire spectrum of country music and bestowing honors that no other awards show has.

The second annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS featured performances by Alabama, Eli Young Band, Toby Keith, Pistol Annies, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Thompson Square and Chris Young, as well as by co-hosts Adkins and Chenoweth. The special also featured appearances by Lauren Alaina, Kyle Busch, Rodney Carrington, Bill Engvall, Hunter Hayes, the JaneDear Girls, Miranda Lambert, Jamie Little,Love & Theft, Larry Mahan, Scotty McCreery, Brad Paisley, Jordin Sparks, The Big Show, Josh Turner, Storme Warren and the men of "Pawn Stars" (Corey Harrison, Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison and Austin Russell).

With his trademark baritone and wry sense of humor, Trace Adkins is one of country music's most accomplished entertainers. With total sales surpassing 10 million albums, a long list of hit singles and platinum albums, he is also a television personality, actor and author. His hits include "Just Fishin'" "Every Light in the House," "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing," "You're Gonna Miss This," "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" and "All I Ask For Anymore." A Grammy Award nominee and member of the Grand Ole Opry, Adkins is currently on the road with his Songs & Stories Tour in support of his tenth studio album, "Proud To Be Here." He also is the host of the cable television series, "Great American Heroes." This will be Adkins' third time hosting the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS.

Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth is an accomplished singer and actress of stage, television and film. She recently completed a North American concert tour featuring music from her latest album, "Some Lessons Learned," as well as an array of her most memorable songs and Broadway show tunes. She is known for her Tony Award-nominated turn as the original "Glinda," the good witch, in Broadway's "Wicked" and her show-stealing, Tony Award-winning performance in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." She has received two Emmy Award nominations for her role as

"April Rhodes" on the hit series GLEE. She won an Emmy Award for her role as "Olive Snook" on "Pushing Daisies." She also starred in "GCB" and will next be seen on "The Good Wife."

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2012, "Kids' Choice Awards"). Paul Flattery, Tisha Fein and Fletcher Foster serve as producers; and Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special.