Every time awards show nominations come out, it happens: artists will be left out for one reason or another. There are only so many slots for nominees and so much talent in country music. When the ACM Awards nominations were read, there were quite a few surprising omissions and snubs.
As we wait to see the winners for the ACM Awards, which will play out in Texas and air live on Amazon on May 11, we look at some acts that should have gotten some love from the ACM.
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Jelly Roll
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Jelly Roll has had a fantastic year charting his first country number-one hit, “Son of a Sinner.” On his current headlining tour, this guy also sold out arenas all over the country and was a massive hit at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, where he won three awards. Jelly should have at least gotten a nomination in the Visual Media category.
Keith Urban
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I know there are many country male singers coming up and getting their shot in the Male Artist category. Keith has had his share over the years of winning Male Artist and earning nominations in the category. Keith toured extensively, and his show is amazing. He clearly should have been in the Entertainer of the Year category this year.
Thomas Rhett
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Thomas consistently puts out great music and recently kicked off his current headlining tour. It’s sad not to see Thomas’ name in any category at all this year.
Scotty McCreery
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This guy has had a wonderful year at country radio, on the road, and with his latest album, Same Truck, which came out in 2021. While his album is a bit old to get an album nod this year, McReery has never missed a beat vocally, and it would have been nice to see him in the Male Artist category. Maybe that category, like Entertainer, should have also had seven nominees this year.
Carrie Underwood
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Yes, Carrie did get a 2023 ACM nomination for Entertainer of the Year, and she was appreciative. Still, Underwood is not in the Female Artist category with a huge and successful tour, a new album, and one of the best voices in country music. That is wrong on so many levels.