The list of nominees has dwindled to three. Three of country music's fastest rising stars will compete for fan votes to grab the New Artist of the Year trophy at the 2012 ACM Awards. The official poll opens on March 19, but who wants to wait another three weeks to support Scotty McCreery, Hunter Hayes or Brantley Gilbert?

All three are deserving of the honor, which in recent years has gone to the Band Perry and Luke Bryan. McCreery won 'American Idol,' sold over a million copies of his debut album 'Clear as Day' and landed two Top 20 hits. Hayes released one of the catchiest songs of the year with 'Storm Warning' and built a grassroots team of supporters while touring with Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts. Gilbert is the only one of the three to score a No. 1 hit, and many believe he'll reach superstardom the fastest.

So who do you think is the most deserving of this award? Vote and comment below before the 47th annual ACM Awards air on CBS April 1. Plus, click here to find out how you can win a trip for two to the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, courtesy of KFC and Dr Pepper!

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