Keith Urban photo by Danny Clinch, courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

A bunch of country artists got really good news over the last couple of days — Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry were just a few of the acts that found out they’re finalists for the 44th annual Country Music Association awards show.

And, guess what: They’re happy! Different forms of happy — in shock, completely elated, humbled — but they’re happy nonetheless.

Here’s what some of the CMA nominees are saying about being on the ballot for Nov. 10:

• Blake Shelton: “After 10 years of being in this business I finally began to tell myself that nominations don’t matter anyway…turns out that’s bull crap…Daddy likey!!!! Thanks to all!”

• Kimberly Perry, of The Band Perry: “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.”

• Kimberly Schlapman, of Little Big Town: “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.”

• Joshua Scott Jones, of Steel Magnolia: “Any time we get to set foot in the Ryman [Auditorium] it’s an honor. We [went to the Ryman] honored just to be asked to read the nominations. Country music is such a timeless genre — it’s iconic. And to be accepted as a part of it is the ultimate honor. It was a really good morning.”

• Chris Young: “Any time you hear your name called for something like this, it’s a good day. I mean, it’s just a great feeling… You know, everybody is always excited to hear their name, but this is the first time I’ve ever heard my name called for this. So, it’s a really big deal for me, and it feels just as good as I thought it would. It’s pretty awesome.”

• Jerrod Niemann: “[It’s] just an unbelievable feeling, because I’ve been in Nashville a long time and been part of the community. Nashville’s been my home. 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 hangin’ in there… it’s a huge honor.”

• Dave Haywood, of Lady Antebellum: “The year just keeps getting better and better. Charles [Kelley], Hillary [Scott] 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.”

• Miranda Lambert: “It’s just hard to believe, because it’s so many [nominations], and it’s so many big ones. I guess the most shocking was, obviously, Entertainer of the Year, because at first I didn’t really feel like it was time for me to get nominated for something like that. It just doesn’t seem like it was real at first, so I guess I’m coming to terms with it at this point, but I just can’t believe it.”

• Keith Urban: “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!”

See the full list of nominees here.

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