Julianne Hough photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

March 6, 2009 — The Academy of Country Music, dick clark productions and Great American Country (GAC) announced today that Julianne Hough, Jake Owen and Zac Brown Band have been named Top New Female Vocalist, Top New Male Vocalist and Top New Vocal Duo or Group, respectively. The three winners are now considered nominees for the Top New Artist award, which will be given out on the "44th Annual ACM Awards" broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Julianne Hough, released her self-titled debut album, "Julianne Hough," in May 2008 which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album chart. Her Top New Female Vocalist nomination was her first Academy nomination.

Jake Owen photo by James Minchin, courtesy of RCA Nashville.

Jake Owen’s fourth official single, "Don't Think I Can't Love You," was released in August 2008 and is the first single from his second album entitled "Easy Does It." He was nominated last year for Top New Male Vocalist and Vocal Event of the Year.

Winner of Top New Vocal Duo or Group, Zac Brown Band, released their fourth album, "The Foundation," in November 2008. Their single "Chicken Fried" reached No. 1 on the country charts in November. This is their first nomination and win for an Academy of Country Music Award.

Zac Brown Band photo courtesy of Atlantic Records.

Each winner will perform and receive their trophy on the Sara Evans hosted GAC special, "ACM Top New Artists" premiering March 19 at 10 p.m. ET.

Voting for Top New Artist takes place at www.VoteACM.com beginning March 16 and ends at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday April 5.