The 2021 ACM Awards nominations are out, with several stars taking to social media to express their gratitude — and some cases, sheer surprise. Carly Pearce, who just released her telling 29 EP, earned three nominations, for Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year, the latter two for “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Lee Brice.
Pearce shared a video on social media, likely taken by her mother, while learning the good news.
“My mom and I were waiting for the [ACM Awards] nominations this morning & then I got THE call from [Scott Borchetta] … He tells me I have not one but THREE & one of those is FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR!! I truly have no words. Thank you thank you thank you, gonna go cry all day.”
My mom and I were waiting for the @acmawards nominations this morning & then I got THE call from @scottborchetta… He tells me I have not one but THREE & one of those is FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR!! I truly have no words. Thank you thank you thank you, gonna go cry all day 🥺♥️🥂 pic.twitter.com/EHwhoAyoL6
— Carly Pearce (@carlypearce) February 26, 2021
Kelsea Ballerini, who announced the ACM Awards nominees along with Brothers Osborne on CBS This Morning, also received a nomination for Female Artist of the Year. The nod marks her fifth in the category, although she admitted she was just as happy for Pearce as she was for herself.
“It never gets old, but I do have to say, I’ve known Carly Pearce for a long time, since we both had anything going on, and this is her first time being nominated in this category,” Ballerni gushed. “I’m excited for me, but I think I’m more excited for her, honestly.”
Blake Shelton and his future wife, Gwen Stefani, were nominated for Music Event of the Year, for “Nobody But You,” the first of two duets they put out last year.
“What a way to start the day!!!” Shelton tweeted. “Thanks y’all! Honored to be nominated at this year’s [ACM Awards] with the one and only [Gwen Stefani].”
What a way to start the day!!! Thanks y’all! Honored to be nominated at this year’s @ACMawards with the one and only @gwenstefani.. See y’all, April 18th on @CBS. #ACMawards pic.twitter.com/LEY35Gtocn
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) February 26, 2021
Thomas Rhett, who currently shares the ACM Entertainer of the Year title with Carrie Underwood, received four nominations, including another one for Entertainer of the Year.
“Feeling extra grateful to be included on these lists and to be able to make country music for y’all,” Rhett posted. “Thank you [ACM Awards]. Looking forward to April 18th.”
Feeling extra grateful to be included on these lists and to be able to make country music for y’all. Thank you @ACMawards. Looking forward to April 18th #acmawards pic.twitter.com/CNUQ18QmVu
— Thomas Rhett (@ThomasRhett) February 26, 2021
Maddie & Tae received their sixth nomination for Vocal Duo of the Year.
“It’s always an honor,” they posted. “Thank you to our country music family & [ACM Awards].”
It’s always an honor 🤍 thank you to our country music family & @ACMawards! #ACMawards pic.twitter.com/pJ2fE5ocEu
— Maddie & Tae (@MaddieandTae) February 26, 2021
Lady A received two nominations, for both Group of the Year and Music Event of the Year, for their part in Rhett’s “Be a Light.”
“Feeling extra grateful this morning…wow,” the trio posted. “Thanks so much [ACM Awards] and our friends and peers who support us with these nominations. Huge congrats to all the nominees this year.”
Feeling extra grateful this morning…wow. Thanks so much #ACMawards and our friends and peers who support us with these nominations. Huge congrats to all the nominees this year 🌟🌟 pic.twitter.com/qwouHc1qNg
— Lady A (@ladya) February 26, 2021
The 2021 ACM Awards will air live from the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and the Bluebird Cafe on Sunday, April 18, at 8:00 PM ET on CBS.