It's that time of year again, the Academy of Country Music has announced it's nominees for the 40th annual show to be held in Las Vegas. Toby Keith was on hand during the March 3rd press conference to announce the nominees and what a list it is!

The leader of the pack with 6 nominations is Tim McGraw. Kenny Chesney, Alison Krauss and Gretchen Wilson came in second with 5 nominations each. It is sure to be a show filled with first time winners and repeat winners alike. At this time, no host or list of performers has been announced for the show to be held at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on May 17, with the exception of Toby Keith who will be doing a live feed from his USO tour with the troups.

A side note to the show is that the Merle Haggard Award may be given to either Tim McGraw or Kenny Chesney if either wins for Entertainer of the Year. It is an award that is given to the artist that wins Entertainer of the Year, Top Newcomer and Top Male Artist. Both of these fine artists have won these awards in the past.

Entertainer of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Keith Urban

Top Vocal Group
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Diamond Rio
Lonestar
Rascal Flatts
The Notorious Cherry Bombs

Top New Artist
Big & Rich
Josh Gracin
Julie Roberts
Josh Turner
Gretchen Wilson

Top Vocal Duo
Big & Rich
Blue County
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
The Warren Brothers

Top Female Vocalist
Terri Clark
Sara Evans
Martina McBride
Gretchen Wilson
Lee Ann Womack

Top Male Vocalist
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Keith Urban

Video of the Years
Girls Lie Too - Terri Clark
Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw
Redneck Woman - Gretchen Wilson
Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy) - Big & Rich
Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley( W/Alison Krauss)

Vocal Event of the Year
Creepin’ In - Norah Jones & Dolly Parton
Hey Good Lookin’ - Jimmy Buffett W/Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith & George Strait
Party For Two - Shania W/Billy Currington
When the Sun Goes Down - Kenny Chesney W/Uncle Kracker
Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley W/Alison Krauss

Song of the Year
American Soldier - Toby Keith
Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
May Hate Myself in the Morning - Lee Ann Womack
Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw
Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley W/Alison Krauss

Single Record of the Year
(Six nominees due to a tie)
Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
Days Go By - Keith Urban
I May Hate Myself in the Morning - Lee Ann Womack
Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw
Redneck Woman - Gretchen Wilson
Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley W/Alison Krauss

Album of the Year
Be Here - Keith Urban
Here for the Party - Gretchen Wilson
Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw
Restless - Sara Evans
When the Sun Goes Down - Kenny Chesney

No matter who wins, the list is impressive, first time nominees and past winners alike, it is sure to be a good time for everyone.