Maren Morris, Chris Stapleton lead ACM nominations with 6

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Maren Morris and Chris Stapleton led the nominations for this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards, with both receiving six.

The academy announced the nominations Friday ahead of the April 18 awards show, which will air on NewsChannel 5 from Nashville.

Miranda Lambert picked up five nominations, while Ashley McBryde and Thomas Rhett each received four nominations.

Kelsea Ballerini and Brothers Osborne appeared on CBS This Morning to announce this year’s nominees for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Duo of the Year, Group of the Year and Single of the Year.

Also, for the first time in ACM Awards history, four Black artists were nominated for awards in a single year, including Jimmie Allen, Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton and John Legend.

For the second year in a row, the show will broadcast live from three iconic Nashville venues – the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe. The pandemic delayed last year's show until September 2020, and for the first time, the event was moved from Las Vegas to Nashville.

Here's a look at some of the nominees. Click here to view the full list.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

• Luke Bryan
• Eric Church
• Luke Combs
• Thomas Rhett
• Chris Stapleton

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Kelsea Ballerini
• Miranda Lambert
• Ashley McBryde
• Maren Morris
• Carly Pearce

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Dierks Bentley
• Eric Church
• Luke Combs
• Thomas Rhett
• Chris Stapleton

DUO OF THE YEAR

• Brooks & Dunn
• Brothers Osborne
• Dan + Shay
• Florida Georgia Line
• Maddie & Tae

GROUP OF THE YEAR

• Lady A
• Little Big Town
• Old Dominion
• The Cadillac Three
• The Highwomen

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Ingrid Andress
• Tenille Arts
• Gabby Barrett
• Mickey Guyton
• Caylee Hammack

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Jimmie Allen
• Travis Denning
• HARDY
• Cody Johnson
• Parker McCollum