LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 05: Singer Jason Aldean poses in the press room with the awards for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Singer of the Year: Male, Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration, Touring Artist of the Year and Music Video: Group or Collaboration at the American Country Awards 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 5, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

If you missed last night’s second annual American Country Awards, don’t worry! GAC will re-air it Saturday, December 17, 10 p.m. Eastern. The two-hour music spectacular aired live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last night and allowed fans to vote for their favorite artists in many diverse categories.

Co-hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, the show includes performances by Scotty McCreery, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Alabama, Chris Young, The Band Perry, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band, Pistol Annies and others.  The special will also include appearances by Josh Turner, Lauren Alaina, Miranda Lambert, Jordin Sparks, The Big Show, the JaneDear girls, Bill Engvall and Rodney Carrington.  The Great American Country Video of the Year Award was presented by GAC’s Storme Warren, Hunter Hayes and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Larry Mahan to Blake Shelton for his “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” music video.  Nominees in that category were determined by airplay on GAC.

“Giving fans a chance to vote for their favorite country artists has been a cornerstone of GAC programming,” said GAC VP/Programming, Suzanne Gordon.  “By also doing so, the American Country Awards honor both the fans and their favorite performers.”

Check out our complete ACA section for winners, photos & more >>

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 05: Singer Jason Aldean poses in the press room with the awards for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Singer of the Year: Male, Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration, Touring Artist of the Year and Music Video: Group or Collaboration at the American Country Awards 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 5, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

The fans have spoken and it was Jason Aldean who walked away the big winner at the American Country Awards. Jason picked up no less than six Fender guitars at country music’s only fan-voted awards, including the top prize for Artist of the Year. Jason also picked up trophies for Male Artist of the Year, Touring Headline Package of the Year, Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration for “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson and Album of the Year for My Kinda Party.

“This is a little ridiculous now,” Jason said as he accepted the Artist of the Year award. “It’s been a crazy year and so many people to thank. I could stand up here for an hour and thank everyone I needed to… my band, everybody who plays on my records, my crew out on the road, the fans for coming to my show. It’s definitely ‘My Kinda Party.’ Thank you so much!”

See photos from the American Country Awards! >>

Also winning big on the night were last year’s six-time winner Carrie Underwood, and first-time winner Thompson Square. Both acts took home three guitars each. Carrie’s “Mama’s Song” was named Single of the Year: Female and Music Video of the Year. She also picked up the award for Artist of the Year: Female.

“Everybody at the fan club, you guys vote like crazy and support all of us and we thank God for you every single day of our lives,” Carrie said as she accepted her guitar. “Thanks to my family and friends and Mike, I love you and miss you! His teammates are going to make fun of him for that. Sorry babe. I have got an amazing 2012 planned for all of you. We’re going to have a lot of fun. Thanks so much!”

Thompson Square picked up Single of the Year: Group, Single by a New Artist and Video by a New Artist for “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.” The duo also performed their No. 1 hit during the show. “Whoa, you guys, thank you so much,” Keifer Thompson said while accepting Single of the Year by a Group. “This is the first time we’ve ever won anything, so please be patient.”

Co-hosted by Kristin Chenoweth and Trace Adkins who peppered the night of performances and awards with hysterical skits and commentary as well as their own performances, the ACAs counted down the Top 10 Artists of the Decade throughout the show. The list included names like Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks and Keith Urban but it was Toby Keith who picked up the ACA for Artist of the Decade. Continue Reading

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Kristin Chenoweth and Trace Adkins photo courtesy of FOX.

Trace Adkins is an award show pro by now, but that doesn’t mean the thrill is gone. He’ll be co-hosting tonight’s American Country Awards alongside singer-actor-Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth (who’s recently released a country album). While he still looks forward to seeing his favorite artists stepping onstage to perform, things are a little different now that he’s witnessed the nuts and bolts backstage.

“When you’re watching them growing up there’s that idolatry, you idolize these people and you’re just a huge fan of them,” he said. “I’m still a fan and I still try to watch it that way and enjoy it, have a good time with it, and just get as much pleasure out of the whole thing as I can.  When you get backstage and you see the underbelly and find out the emperor has no clothes, it changes a little bit for you.”

This is Trace’s second time at the helm of the ACAs. He’s a little more comfortable in the role this time around and has a better idea of what it takes to be a good host. He does have a plan in place though, should something go off track during the live show.

“You have to try to look like you’re comfortable in that role and relaxed and charged, and confident,” he said. “So that’s all I’m trying to do, I’m just trying to never let them see you sweat, you know that old adage. Just try to look like you know what’s going on, especially when you don’t.” Continue Reading

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Chris Young photo by Randee St. Nicholas, courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Chris Young has been added to the lineup of performers at the American Country Awards. Chris will perform his No. 1 hit “Voices” during the show. “Voices” is nominated in two categories — Single of the Year and Single of the Year–Male. He is also up for Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist. Co-hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, the ACAs will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas tonight, December 5, at 8/7 CT on FOX.

Check Out Our Complete Coverage of the 2011 American Country Awards >>

Other artists scheduled to perform during the show include Alabama, Scotty McCreery, Blake Shelton, Pistol Annies, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band and The Band Perry. In addition to performing, Alabama will receive the Greatest Hits Award during the show which is presented to a country music act that had produced an extensive catalogues of No. 1 hits.

Appearances by Lauren Alaina, Josh Turner, Miranda Lambert, Jordin Sparks, The Big Show, the JaneDear girls, Bill Engvall, Larry Mahan, Rodney Carrington and the men of Pawn Stars, Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin Russell, are also scheduled.

The ACAs are country music’s only entirely fan-voted awards show. Voting in all categories wrapped on November 11 except for Artist of Year, which wrapped on December 2. Tune in tonight to see if your picks take home the trophy!

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Trace Adkins photo courtesy of Show Dog-Universal Music.

Trace Adkins is gearing up to host the American Country Awards for the second time and this go around, he’ll have Kristin Chenoweth along as co-host. Trace has never worked with Kristin, but he’s is aware that his height and Kristin’s lack thereof will make for an interesting combination while they’re onstage. Check Out Our Complete Coverage of the ACAs >>

“The thing that struck me first was, okay, this is going to be a contrast,” Trace said. “She’s a fairly petite lady. I’m not going to let her get away with that either. I’m going to have to bring that to her attention at some point, her shortcomings.”

If the ACA producers are planning anything special to make up for the pair’s height difference, Trace isn’t aware of it. “As far as I know they’re not making any special provisions,” he said. “Perhaps somebody might have to carry around an apple box for her everywhere, but I don’t know.”

When Trace agreed to host the inaugural ACAs last year which are broadcast live, he had never played the role of host and had some nerves to overcome. This year, he feels more prepared. Continue Reading

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Topy Keith photo courtesy of Wortman Works Media & Marketing.

Toby Keith  will perform “Red Solo Cup” for the first time on broadcast TV during the American Country Awards. The song was just officially released as Toby’s second single from his new album, Clancy’s Tavern, but is already a web video sensation. It will also be featured in the December 6 episode of FOX’s Glee. The ACAs, co-hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, December 5 at 8/7 CT on FOX.

Check Out Our Complete Coverage of the 2011 American Country Awards >>

Other artists scheduled to perform at the ACAs include Alabama, Scotty McCreery, Blake Shelton, Pistol Annies, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band and The Band Perry. Appearances by Lauren Alaina, Josh Turner, Miranda Lambert, Jordin Sparks, The Big Show, the JaneDear girls, Bill Engvall, Larry Mahan, Rodney Carrington and the men of Pawn Stars, Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin Russell, are also scheduled. Continue Reading

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Alabama photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Legendary country music group Alabama has been tapped to receive the Greatest Hits Award at the American Country Awards, airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 5, 8-10 p.m. ET (PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The veteran band, which gave its farewell tour in 2003, also will perform during the broadcast. Additionally, American Idol winner Scotty McCreery has been added to the list of performers for the two-hour primetime special.

The American Country Awards Greatest Hits Award is presented to a country music act that has produced an extensive catalogue of No. 1 hits throughout its career. As one of country music’s classic groups, Alabama has enjoyed more than 30 years of unprecedented success in the music industry. Consisting of Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook, the group has released 21 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum albums, and 43 No. 1 singles. Other accolades include eight country music “Entertainer of the Year” honors, two Grammys, two People’s Choice Awards and their very own star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

Alabama first signed with industry giant RCA back in 1980. The group immediately began taking the country genre in new directions, reaching out to an incredibly diverse fan base, many of whom had never listened to country music. The band’s upbringing on country, gospel, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, rock-n-roll and southern rock enabled them to perform everything from Acuff to ZZ Top. Their career sales have topped 73 million records, ranking them as one of the 10 biggest-selling bands in the annals of popular music – ahead of such rock legends as Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Queen, Pink Floyd and The Who. Additionally, Alabama has more No. 1 records than any band in country music history and has sold more concert tickets than any other country group.

The second annual American Country Awards, hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, 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.

Co-hosts Trace and Kristin, along with Blake Shelton, Pistol Annies, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band and The Band Perry are set to perform. The special will also include appearances by Josh Turner, Jordin Sparks, The Big Show, the JaneDear girls, Bill Engvall, Larry Mahan and Rodney Carrington. Previously announced participants include Lauren Alaina, Rachel Bilson, Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery and the men of Pawn Stars (Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin Russell).

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Photo courtesy of Country Weekly.

Trace Adkins has been named Country’s Sexiest Man by Country Weekly readers. Trace will grace the cover, on newsstands Nov. 18 and to thank those who voted him into the top spot, he is offering a free download of his new single, “Million Dollar View,” on both TraceAdkins.com and CountryWeekly.com.

The new single is the second single from Trace’s latest album, Proud To Be Here. He refers to the song as his “get out of jail free” card with his wife as the lyrics say All I have to do is look at you, and I’ve got a million dollar view.

Fans will be able to catch Country’s Sexiest Man when he co-hosts the American Country Awards with Kristin Chenoweth live on FOX on December 5 at 8/7 CT. Trace will also perform on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on December 7.   Continue Reading

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Trace Adkins photo courtesy of Show Dog-Universal Music.

Co-hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, as well as Blake Shelton, Pistol Annies, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band and The Band Perry have all been announced as performers at this year’s American Country Awards. The ACAs will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, December 5 at 8/7 CT on FOX.

The two-hour event will also feature appearances by Lauren Alaina, Rachel Bilson, Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery and the men of Pawn Stars, Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin Russell. More performers and presenters will be announced soon.

See all of the American Country Awards Nominees! >>

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Jason Aldean photo courtesy of Broken Bow Records; Zac Brown Band photo courtesy of Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records.

The second annual American Country Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 5, 8-10 p.m. ET live/PT tape-delayed, on FOX. Jason Aldean and Zac Brown Band lead the nominees with eight nominations each; Thompson Square earned seven nods; and The Band Perry and Taylor Swift each garnered six.

Starting today, fans can vote once each day for their favorite American Country Awards nominees at www.theacas.com. Voting is open until Friday, Nov. 11 for all categories, except for Artist of the Year, which closes on Friday, Dec. 2. 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); and Pollstar (touring data).

Hosted by Trace Adkins and 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 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 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
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum                          
Taylor Swift
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton

Artist of the Year: Female
Sara Evans
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Eric Church
Eli Young Band
Justin Moore
Jake Owen
Chris Young

Artist of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry
Scotty McCreery
Jerrod Niemann
Pistol Annies
Thompson Square

Album:
Album of the Year
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Kenny Chesney, “Hemingway’s Whiskey”
Brad Paisley, “This Is Country Music”
Taylor Swift, “Speak Now”
Keith Urban, “Get Closer”
Zac Brown Band, “You Get What You Give”

SINGLES:
Single of the Year
Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”
Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Chris Young, “Voices”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away” Continue Reading

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