Luke Bryan photo by Jeremy Cowart, courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

• Taylor Swift (three nominations): "I can’t believe I got three nominations. To be included in both the Female Vocalist of the Year and the Top New Female categories in the same year is something I thought I could only dream about, and to have my album up for Album of the Year gives me butterflies. I am thrilled beyond words."

• Keith Anderson, co-writer of "Lost In This Moment" (Song of the Year): "I’m touched by the number of folks who’ve been impacted by this song. It’s an honor to be nominated, and I’m certainly looking forward to the show, as well as to a little hang time in Las Vegas."

• Luke Bryan (Top New Male Vocalist): "Mama’s going to freak about this one. I’m freakin’ out even more."

• Charles Kelley, Lady Antebellum (Top New Duo Or Vocal Group): "Can’t believe it. I’m going to Disney World!"

Kellie Pickler photo by Kristin Barlowe, courtesy of Sony BMG.

• Kellie Pickler (Top New Female Vocalist): "A few years ago when I was a roller-skating waitress at Sonic, I was never nominated as Employee of the Month, but maybe that was because I spilled a lot of the food on the cars." Now I’m doing what I love, and to get recognized for it is even more special."

• Rhean Boyer, Carolina Rain (Top New Duo Or Vocal Group): "We’ve been fortunate enough to attend the ACM Awards for the past two years and have always been thrilled to be involved with the various events that surround it. Just to be nominated really is an incredible honor. Me and the boys love making music together, and to be recognized for it means so much."

• Jake Owen (Top New Male Vocalist): "A few years ago I was playing in college bars, and now to be nominated for an ACM — I’m truly humbled and speechless."

• Carrie Underwood (Top Female Vocalist): "A nomination’s not just about the artist. I don’t think it ever is. When an artist wins an award, it’s like the whole machine that is the artist — you know, they’re winning the award, too. There’s a lot, a lot, a lot of people behind the scenes that nobody ever sees, so it’s a victory for everyone when you get nominated, and when you win things."