The Academy of Country Music took a different approach to naming the nominations for the 2012 ACM Awards, inciting a first-time digital press conference via their Facebook page, as opposed to simply posting a list of hopefuls. With help from folks like Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, Nancy O'Dell of 'Entertainment Tonight' and more, the red carpet was rolled out for this year's event.

2012 will be a big one for Kenny Chesney if he takes home even half of the awards he's up for. The 'You and Tequila' duet star roped in a total of nine nominations, including several for his collaboration with Grace Potter -- as well as Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year.

Jason Aldean came in behind Chesney at six nods -- he's also up for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist and Album of the Year, plus a few for his song 'Don't You Wanna Stay' with pop's Kelly Clarkson. Lady Antebellum are going strong with five potential awards, while Brad Paisley received four (two in one category!) and Taylor Swift topped the solo females with three nominations to her name.

The Academy's New Artist of the Year Award nominees are being kept under lock and key until Jan. 30. The 2012 ACM Awards will air live, with Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton as hosts, on April 1 on CBS.

2012 ACM Awards Nominees:

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Chris Young

Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Vocal Duo of the Year
Love and Theft
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Thompson Square

Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

Album of the Year
Eric Church, 'Chief'
Miranda Lambert, 'Four the Record'
Kenny Chesney, 'Hemmingway's Whiskey'
Jason Aldean, 'My Kinda Party'
Lady Antebellum, 'Own the Night'

New Artist of the Year
TBA on Jan. 30

Vocal Event of the Year
Aaron Lewis feat. George Jones and Charlie Daniels, 'Country Boy'
Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, 'Don't You Wanna Stay'
Brad Paisley feat. Alabama, 'Old Alabama'
Brad Paisley feat. Carrie Underwood, 'Remind Me'
Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter, 'You and Tequila'

Video of the Year
Jason Aldean, 'Tattoos on This Town'
Eric Church, 'Homeboy'
Toby Keith, 'Red Solo Cup'
Lady Antebellum, 'Just a Kiss'
Taylor Swfit, 'Mean'

Single Record of the Year
Eli Young Band, 'Crazy Girl'
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, 'Don't You Wanna Stay'
Toby Keith, 'Red Solo Cup'
Chris Young, 'Tomorrow'
Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter, 'You and Tequila'

Song of the Year
Eli Young Band, 'Crazy Girl'
Dierks Bentley, 'Home'
Lady Antebellum, 'Just a Kiss'
Vince Gill, 'Threaten Me With Heaven'
Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter, 'You and Tequila'

Songwriter of the Year
Rhett Akins
Dallas Davidson
Ben Hayslip
Luke Laird
David Lee Murphy

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