NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Brad Paisley leads all finalists for the Academy of Country Music Awards with six nominations, but the biggest surprise might be former Trick Pony singer Heidi Newfield's five nods.
Paisley was nominated Wednesday for entertainer of the year and male vocalist. He's also a finalist for record, song and video of the year and for vocal event of the year for "Start a Band" with Keith Urban.
Healdsburg native Newfield released her solo debut last August after 10 years with Trick Pony. She's nominated in five categories, including song of the year and video of the year for "Johnny & June," an ode to the late Johnny and June Carter Cash.
The Academy of Country Music Awards air April 5 on CBS.
Kenny Chesney, the ACM's entertainer of the year four years running, received four nominations, including another in the entertainer category.
George Strait and Jamey Johnson also received four nominations apiece.
For the first time, Carrie Underwood is nominated for entertainer of the year. She is also up for female vocalist.
Urban got three nominations. Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, James Otto, Jake Owen, Taylor Swift and Sugarland each received two.
Jessica Simpson, LeAnn Rimes, Kellie Pickler and Julianne Hough read the nominations live Wednesday during CBS' "The Early Show" broadcast.
"Dancing with the Stars" champ Hough is nominated for top new female vocalist. Rimes will receive the ACM/Home Depot Humanitarian Award.
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