Country California

Here’s the nominee list. It’s available everywhere, but I post it here too so that those participating in the live blog can refer to it without happening upon any spoilers once the show is underway on the East Coast. I’ll be going on lockdown at 5pm, not checking any of my blogging neighbors (or Twitter, etc.) until the show’s over.

Important:
There has been some confusion as to the time of the show. Since CBS and the ACM list 8pm as the official start time, I’m assuming that that’s when the show will be airing for most people, so that’s when the live blog will be happening. In some areas on the West Coast (including mine), the show may be coming on at 7pm. If that’s the case for you, you can either do your own thing or DVR the show and start it an hour late (that’s what I’m doing). Check your local listings and figure out what you want to do from there.

Also, Quotable Country is being pushed back a day (to Monday) to make room for all the doozies I’m sure we’ll hear on the awards show tonight. I’m counting on you, John Rich.

Here’s what you need to know about how to read the list: The asterisk (*) denotes my predictions. Bold for already-announced winners. Italics for incumbents (2008 winners). Simple as that.

I’ll see you here tonight, I hope. Feel free to hit me with your questions or predictions in the comments.

2009 ACM AWARDS NOMINEES

Entertainer of the Year

• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley
• George Strait
• Carrie Underwood
• Keith Urban*

Top Male Vocalist

• Kenny Chesney
• Toby Keith
• Brad Paisley*
• George Strait
• Keith Urban

Top Female Vocalist

• Miranda Lambert
• Heidi Newfield
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood*
• Lee Ann Womack

Top Vocal Group

• Lady Antebellum
• Little Big Town
• Rascal Flatts*
• Randy Rogers Band
• The Lost Trailers

Top Vocal Duo

• Big & Rich
• Brooks & Dunn
• Joey + Rory
• Montgomery Gentry
• Sugarland*

Top New Male Vocalist

• Jamey Johnson
• James Otto
• Jake Owen

Top New Female Vocalist

• Sarah Buxton
• Julianne Hough
• Ashton Shepherd

Top New Duo or Group

• Eli Young Band
• The Lost Trailers
• Zac Brown Band

Top New Artist

• Jake Owen
• Julianne Hough
• Zac Brown Band*

Album of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

• Back When I Knew It All – Montgomery Gentry (Columbia Nashville)
• Carnival Ride – Carrie Underwood (Arista Nashville)
• Fearless – Taylor Swift (Big Machine)
• That Lonesome Song – Jamey Johnson (Mercury Nashville)*
• Troubadour – George Strait (MCA Nashville)

Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

• “Gunpowder & Lead” – Miranda Lambert
• “In Color” – Jamey Johnson
• “Johnny & June” – Heidi Newfield*
• “Waitin’ On a Woman” – Brad Paisley
• “You’re Gonna Miss This” – Trace Adkins

Song of the Year [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

• “I Saw God Today” – George Strait
  Writers: Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, Wade Kirby*
• “In Color” – Jamey Johnson
  Writers: Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller, James Otto
• “Johnny & June” – Heidi Newfield
  Writers: Deanna Bryant, Heidi Newfield, Stephony Smith
• “Waitin’ On a Woman” – Brad Paisley
  Writers: Don Sampson, Wynn Varble
• “You’re Gonna Miss This” – Trace Adkins
  Writer: Ashley Gorley and Lee Thomas Miller

Video of the Year [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

• “Johnny & June” – Heidi Newfield
• “Just A Dream” – Carrie Underwood
• “Love Story” – Taylor Swift
• “Troubadour” – George Strait
• “Waitin’ On A Woman” – Brad Paisley

Vocal Event of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

• “Another Try” – Josh Turner featuring Trisha Yearwood
• “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” – Brooks & Dunn featuring Reba McEntire
• “Down The Road” – Kenny Chesney with Mac McAnally
• “Life In A Northern Town” – Sugarland featuring Little Big Town & Jake Owen
• “Start A Band” – Brad Paisley with Keith Urban