Carrie, whose nominations include Best New Artist, raved, “In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined this incredible year. I am so thankful to the country music community . . . and my fans.” Dierks, who nabbed two nominations for Best Country Male Vocal Performance and Best Country Song, both for his hit “Every Mile a Memory,” said, “I really feel honored to be included in a category with a guy like George Strait.” George is nominated for Best Country Male Vocal Performance for “The Seashores of Old Mexico.” Little Big Town’s The Road to Here was nominated for Best Country Album and the hit, “Boondocks,” garnered the group a nomination for Best Country Performance by a Group or Duo With Vocal. Band member Philip Sweet said, “When we look back on this year, we see it as one with blessings beyond belief.”