The Academy of Country Music announced this morning its nominees for the 56th ACM Awards, which included Warner Music Nashville artists Ingrid Andress, Gabby Barrett, Dan + Shay, Devin Dawson, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde and Blake Shelton. With the label’s EVP/A&R Scott Hendricks earning an album producer nod as well, WMN was recognized with 18 total nominations across eight categories.
Four-time GRAMMY nominee and two-time ACM Award winner Ashley McBryde received four nominations, including two for Song of the Year (“One Night Standards”) as artist and songwriter, her first in the Album of the Year category for Never Will and her second for Female Artist of the Year. “I am honored to have been nominated alongside so many peers I respect and admire, and I can’t thank the Academy of Country Music enough for recognizing the incredible work not only my band, Jay Joyce and myself put into this record, but the songwriters and my team,” McBryde shared. “I look forward to the day we can celebrate this album together, along with our fans.”
Multiple GRAMMY-nominated breakout artist Ingrid Andress earned three nominations, including her second for New Female Artist of the Year and her first for Single of the Year (“More Hearts Than Mine”) with an additional nomination as producer. Said Andress: “I am shooketh. To be recognized by my peers and nominated alongside them is such an honor. Thank you do much to everyone who voted.”
Platinum-selling hit-maker Gabby Barrett earned two nominations, including her second nod for New Female Artist of the Year and first for Single of the Year (“I Hope). “WOW – what an honor to be nominated for two ACMs,” said Barrett. “I grew up watching these awards with my family every year, so to be nominated and included in this tradition – and to have “I Hope” up for Single of the Year – means more to me than you’ll ever know. Thank you to my amazing husband and family, my team, my label, country radio, and the most loyal fan base for making this happen. I am so proud to be a part of this new generation making country music right now and so excited to see what’s next.”
International superstars and reigning Duo of the Year winners Dan + Shay returned to the category for the eighth consecutive year, while rising country star Cody Johnson returns to the New Male Artist of the Year category for the second year in a row. Country music superstar Blake Shelton and acclaimed singer/songwriter Devin Dawson both earned nods in the Music Event of the Year category for “Nobody But You” feat Gwen Stefani and HARDY’s “One Beer” respectively.
Warner Music Nashville itself is nominated for four awards, including two in the Single of the Year category (Ingrid Andress’ “More Hearts Than Mine,” Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope”). The label and its EVP of A&R, Scott Hendricks, were also recognized in the Music Event of the Year category Blake Shelton’s “Nobody But You” feat. Gwen Stefani.
The 2021 ACM Awards will air live on April 18 from 8-11 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
