Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini Place Their Bets On Faves at the ACM Awards
When the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards airs April 2 on CBS, music fans won't be the only ones rooting for their favorite nominees. Country music's stars will also be cheering each other on.
"Maren Morrisis on fire right now," saysDierks Bentleyof the singer/songwriter, who is nominated for six ACM awards, including album of the year, female vocalist of the year and new female vocalist of the year. Since the two recorded the duet, "I'll Be The Moon," on his latest album, Black , "a lot has changed in her world," he continues. "I loved being able to watch her take off, and I have a feeling it's going to be a big night for her."
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Thomas Rhett, in turn, calls Bentley "the most consistent artist I have ever listened to when it comes to great songs and unique delivery." Bentley is nominated for three awards, including album of the year for Black and male vocalist of the year. "From the emotion in which he sings songs like 'Black' to the way he makes you want to be his best friend because of his delivery on 'Somewhere On A Beach,' you can't deny that Dierks is one of the best artists of our time. This album is amazing and every single song fits Dierks to a T."
AndKelsea Balleriniis rooting forKeith Urban. "'Stupid Boy' was the song that introduced me to country music — I'll never forget hearing it on my friends MySpace (ha!) and then falling in love with that record, and more so, country music," says Ballerini, who toured with Urban — this year's most nominated artist — in 2015. "His music continues to evolve and push boundaries, but never loses the depth and heart that makes Keith so iconic. Ripcord was my favorite album of last year, Keith is my favorite artist in country music, and seven nominations sounds about right!"
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