Are You Ready For The 2014 ACM Awards? Lambert, McGraw Lead Nominees

Wendy Geller
·Writer, Yahoo Entertainment

The nominees for this year's Academy of Country Music Awards were announced Wednesday morning, and the big scorers were Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw; both of whom racked up seven nods each. Lambert's slate of nominations included one in the Artist of the Year category, while McGraw was recognized in the Album and Single of the Year races.

Following closely is Keith Urban, who received six nods; and Lee Brice, Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift who each got five.

The highly coveted Entertainer of the Year race not only includes Lambert, but also her husband Shelton, making it yet another year that the couple are pitted against each other for an award. Luke Bryan, who took home Entertainer in 2013, returns to the category; as do George Strait (who last took the award in 1989) and Taylor Swift (who is nominated for the fifth straight year).

A few interesting names have also popped up on the nominations list, including Brice's first appearance in the Male Vocalist category; and Sheryl Crow, whose recent foray into country landed her a spot on the Female Vocalist list.

Shelton and Bryan will return to host the program, which will air live from Las Vegas on April 6.

A complete list of nominees can be found here.

Once again, fans will be allowed to help determine who wins Entertainer and New Artist of the Year. Online voting for New Artist is currently open for the first round; Entertainer votes may be cast starting March 24. Visit here to cast your ballot for your favorites!