1. Brad Paisley
Paisley has some serious competition for the title of Male Vocalist of the Year, including a certain judge from a wildly popular talent competition show.
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17 Hottest Nominees for the Academy of Country Music Awards 2015
2. Zac Brown Band
This generously sized jam band (pictured here with music legend James Taylor) is up for Vocal Group of the Year.
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3. Lady Antebellum
Lead singer Hillary Scott and her bandmates are dominating the country scene. Will they score their 10th ACM award, for Vocal Group of the Year?
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4. Kenny Chesney
The country music vet is up for several ACMs this year, including Song of the Year for "American Kids."
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5. Eric Church
Church, he of the ever-present aviator sunglasses and trucker caps, is up for Male Vocalist of the Year.
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6. Luke Bryan
He started out writing songs for others, but Bryan has since come into his own -- big time. He's up for four ACMs, including Entertainer of the Year.
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7. Jason Aldean
The co-owner of a hunting company called Buck Commander, Aldean has a shot at three ACMs this year, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year.
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8. Martina McBride
This wild angel is in a position to win her third ACM award for top female vocalist.
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9. Carrie Underwood
Up for three awards this year, Underwood is going head-to-head with greats such as Miranda Lambert and Martina McBride for Female Vocalist of the Year.
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10. Kacey Musgraves
Known for her fiery lyrics, Musgraves is competing for Female Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for "Follow Your Arrow."
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11. Miranda Lambert
The woman behind the album "Platinum" just might score some serious silver this year; she's up for seven ACM statuettes.
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12. Lee Brice
He may not dance, but he sure can produce a song, as evidenced by his nomination for Single Record of the Year.
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13. Little Big Town
Little Big Town has sure made a big splash with their gorgeous, four-part harmonies. Will they win Vocal Group of the Year?
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14. The Band Perry
These three siblings may end up sharing an ACM award for Vocal Group of the Year.
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15. Florida Georgia Line
This bro-country duo is technically competing against itself; the pair participated in two projects that are up for Vocal Event of the Year.
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16. Dierks Bentley
This sometime pilot and full-time country star is up for a slew of honors, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year.
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17. Rascal Flatts
This versatile band has collaborated with everyone from Michael Bolton to Lionel Richie. This year they're nominated for Vocal Group of the Year.
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