It's barely 2011, and the Academy of Country Music is already teasing fans with nominees for two new artist awards.

Eric Church ("Love Your Love The Most"), Easton Corbin ("A Little More Country Than That") and Randy Houser ("Boots On") are the nominees for the Top New Solo Vocalist. Meanwhile, The Band Perry ("If I Die Young"), the JaneDear girls ("Wildflower") and Steel Magnolia ("Keep On Lovin' You") are the finalists for the Top New Vocal Duo or Group award.

These two categories for this year's Academy of Country Music Awards will include fan voting, thanks to a partnership between the ACM and GAC. Fans can vote for these categories at voteacm.com and gactv.com/acm, beginning Jan. 27 at 9 a.m. PT. The winner in each category will be announced in March and will move on to compete for Top New Artist.

The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will take place April 3 in Las Vegas and will be broadcast on CBS.