Heidi, Julianne, Carrie Celebrate ACM Nods

Heidi Newfield on the Orange Carpet at the 43rd Annual ACM Awards, Sunday, May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV. Photo by David Vespie.

Feb. 12, 2009 — Just three days after the Recording Academy doled out honors in a whopping 110 categories at the 51st annual Grammy Awards, the Academy of Country Music revealed most of the nominees for a more modest number of fields Wednesday for its 44th ceremony.

And there’s no lack of excitement among those who found their names on the ballot, including Heidi Newfield, James Otto, Julianne Hough, Carrie Underwood and the Eli Young Band. Here’s what they’re saying about their recognition:

• Heidi Newfield (5 nominations): "My manager, Greg Hill, called and woke me up this morning and said, ‘Turn your TV on'...My husband and I watched the nominations with teary eyes and total elation. The support and excitement for me and this record has really blown me away, and I'm so proud for all the wonderful people who've been involved in it. I am truly honored and blessed. This is one of the happiest days of my life so far!"

• Julianne Hough (Top New Female Vocalist): "I’m so excited, thrilled and shocked. I mean, I’m just going from being here for a year, and all the accomplishments and the experiences I’ve had over this year have been enough. And then the fact that I’ve been going from ‘Dancing With The Stars’ over to music, this is just a true testament: ‘Oh my gosh, these people are really supporting and welcoming me and really accepting.’ It’s the best feeling in the world."

• Carrie Underwood (3 nominations): "I am so humbled and blessed with the recognition of these nominations by my fellow artists and the country music community. My band, crew and everyone on my team have worked so hard the past year with my first big tour, so the Entertainer nomination is especially rewarding for all of us. I think I’m still in shock!"

• James Otto (2 nominations): "I have attended the ACMs for the past six years participating in the ACM Charity Motorcycle Ride and playing shows down on Fremont Street and look forward to it every year. To be nominated as an artist this time around will be extremely cool. I want to thank the industry for their votes and their confidence in me."

• Mike Eli, the Eli Young Band (Top New Vocal Duo or Group): "This has been an incredible year for us. We played the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium and now this! Our single ["Always The Love Songs"] is in the Top 25, which is exciting, and getting this nomination is such a thrill, we just can’t find the words!"

• Sarah Buxton (Top New Female Vocalist): "It’s good to know I can still turn a cartwheel! Just to have my name in the hat is beyond thrilling."

• Jake Owen (2 nominations): "I feel so humbled. Everything I set out to do when I left Tallahassee is coming true. I am making music that I love in a format that I am so proud to be a part of."

• Rory Feek, Joey+Rory (Top Vocal Duo): "When I heard the news this morning, I told Joey, 'Guess who just got nominated for an ACM Award.’ And then I said, 'Happy Valentine’s Day, love.' I'm scoring big points as a husband here! But seriously, just to be nominated for an ACM award in any category at any time, is an honor...but to be listed on the same ballot with four duos that are heroes of ours — that's crazy!"