Sam Hunt leads the list of nominated country artists at this year’s Billboard Music Awards with four nods. He’s nominated for Top Country Artist, Top Country Album for Montevallo and two nominations in the Top Country Song category for “Break Up in a Small Town” and “Take Your Time.”

Luke Bryan and Chris Stapleton follow with a pair of nods, including Top Country Artist and Top Country Album for Kill the Lights and Traveller, respectively, while Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” is up for Top Country Song.

The 2016 Billboard Music Awards will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas May 22nd.

2016 Billboard Music Awards Nominations:

Top Country Artist:
Zac Brown Band
Luke Bryan
Sam Hunt
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood

Top Country Album:
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Luke Bryan, Kill The Lights
Sam Hunt, Montevallo
Zac Brown Band, Jekyll + Hyde
Carrie Underwood, Storyteller

Top Country Song:
Sam Hunt, “Break Up In A Small Town”
Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time”
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”
Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man”
Chris Young, “I’m Comin’ Over”

Sam Hunt has been added to the list of performers at this year’s American Country Countdown Awards next month. He’ll be joined by Martina McBride, Kelsea Ballerini, Cam, Dan + Shay and Cole Swindell. Previously announced performers include Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line.

Luke is leading the list with seven nominations, while Sam follows with five.

The 2nd Annual ACC Awards will air live from The Forum in Inglewood, California May 1st beginning at 8pm ET/PT delayed.

Four-time Entertainer of the Year winner Luke Bryan took his Kill The Lights Tour back on the road this past weekend after a short hiatus to co-host the ACM Awards on April 3rd in Las Vegas.

All three weekend concerts sold out including the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, where Luke set a record with the largest single day country concert attendance and the largest single day country concert gross in the venue’s history.

During the tour break, Luke was named the Country Artist of the Year at the iHeart Radio Music Awards, also held on April 3, and dominated as the most-nominated artist with seven category nods for the upcoming American Country Countdown Awards set for May 1.

Luke’s Kill The Lights Tour resumes this weekend in Toledo and will go on to play six stadiums concerts before wrapping in the fall.

The Georgia native is making his way up the country charts with his latest single, “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” which is from his latest album, Kill the Lights.

2016 Kill The Lights Tour:

4-14                 Toledo, OH                 The Huntington Center

4-15                 State College, PA       Bryce Jordan Center

4-16                 Charlottesville, VA     John Paul Jones Arena

4-20                 Missoula, MT              Adams Center

4-21                 Missoula, MT              Adams Center

4-22                 Bozeman, MT             Brick Breeden Fieldhouse

4-23                 Bozeman, MT             Brick Breeden Fieldhouse

4-29                 Concord, CA              Concord Pavilion

4-30                 Fresno, CA                  Save Mart Center

5-1                   Indio, CA                    Stagecoach

5-12                 Omaha, NE                 CenturyLink Center

5-13                 Wichita, KS                INTRUST Bank Arena

5-14                 Oklahoma City, OK    Chesapeake Energy Arena

5-20                 Atlanta, GA                Lakewood Amphitheater

5-21                 Atlanta, GA                Lakewood Amphitheater

5-27                 Baton Rouge, LA       Bayou Country Superfest*

5-29                 Daytona Beach, FL     Country 500

6-2                   Holmdel, NJ                P.N.C. Bank Arts Center

6-3                   Atlantic City, NJ         Boardwalk Hall

6-4                   Hershey, PA                Hershey Park Stadium

6-9                   Virginia Beach, VA    Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

6-10                 Washington, DC         Jiffy Lube Live

6-11                 Washington, DC         Jiffy Lube Live

6-17                 Oshkosh, WI               Country USA*

6-19                 Columbus, OH            Buckeye Country Superfest*

6-24                 Toronto, ON               Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

6-25                 Toronto, ON               Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

7-7                   Milwaukee, WI           Summerfest*

7-8                   Indianapolis, IN          Klipsch Music Center

7-9                   Indianapolis, IN          Klipsch Music Center

7-15                 Boston, MA                Gillette Stadium***

7-16                 Boston, MA                Gillette Stadium***

7-17                 Bangor, ME                Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion

7-21                 Scranton, PA               The Pavilion at Montage Mountain

7-22                 Pittsburgh, PA            First Niagara Pavilion

7-23                 Pittsburgh, PA            First Niagara Pavilion

7-29                 Philadelphia, PA         BB&T Pavilion

7-30                 Philadelphia, PA         BB&T Pavilion

7-31                 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center

8-11                 Cleveland, OH            Blossom Music Center

8-12                 Cleveland, OH             Blossom Music Center

8-13                 Cincinnati, OH            Riverbend Music Center

8-14                 Cincinnati, OH            Riverbend Music Center

8-19                 Minneapolis, MN       U.S. Bank Stadium

8-21                 Calgary, AB                Country Thunder Calgary*

8-25                 Kansas City, MO        Providence Medical Center Amphitheater

8-26                 St. Louis, MO             Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

8-27                 Chicago, IL                Wrigley Field

9-1                   Raleigh, NC                Walnut Creek Amphitheatre

9-2                   Charlotte, NC             PNC Music Pavilion

9-9                   Denver, CO                 Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

9-10                 Denver, CO                 Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

9-15                 Sacramento, CA          Toyota Amphitheatre

9-16                 Mountain View, CA   Shoreline Amphitheatre

9-22                 Phoenix, AZ                Ak-Chin Pavilion

9-30                 Salt Lake City, UT      USANA Amphitheatre

10-1                 Salt Lake City, UT      USANA Amphitheatre

10-22               Arlington, TX            AT&T Stadium ***

10-29               Detroit, MI                 Ford Field

Dates and Cities subject to change

*festival date

**no Little Big Town

***Chris Stapleton joins

For up to date information on Luke, the tour and tickets go to www.lukebryan.com or www.livenation.com.

https://twitter.com/lukebryanonline

https://www.facebook.com/lukebryan

http://instagram.com/lukebryan

Country Music has lost a legend. Merle Haggard, who turned 79 today, died Wednesday (April 6th) in California, surrounded by friends and family. The Country Music Hall of Famer had been in failing health for quite some time, diagnosed with double pneumonia in December, which led to the cancellation of several dates, including a two-night stand at the Ryman Auditorium.

Haggard had 40 No. 1 songs, including “Mama Tried,” “Workin’ Man Blues,” “Okie From Muskogee” and “The Fightin’ Side of Me” and wrote many classics, some of which had been recorded by folks such as Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Vince Gill, who is a lifelong fan of the iconic entertainer.

“I‘ve been a [Merle] Haggard nut my whole life,” says Vince Gill, who along with his pal Paul Franklin released Bakersfield album in 2013 (a collaborative tribute of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens songs). “And I’ve played country music, recorded country music my whole life, and I’ve tried to emulate what I loved about Merle Haggard on a lot of occasions.”

Many of country music’s brightest stars took to Twitter to offer their thoughts:

For Eric Church, he wrote and recorded “Pledge Allegiance to the Hag” for his Sinners Like Me album. The song also featured the subject of the song, Mr. Merle Haggard.

Eric Church ‏@ericchurch 
Rest in peace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00IEK9KdWgE …

Alan Jackson ‏@OfficialJackson 
“We lost one of the greatest singer/songwriters since Hank Williams. Inspiration to millions, great American, thank you Merle. I’ll miss you.”

Luke Bryan ‏@LukeBryanOnline 
“A true hero was lost today. Thank you for your contribution to not only country music but all music. @merlehaggard”

Keith Urban ‏@KeithUrban 
“One of the gr8 concert memories I have is seeing Merle and the Strangers at the Ryman in Nashville. We had a ‘live’ album of his when I was growing up and I felt like I’d fallin’ inside my Dad’s stereo speakers. One of my all time favorite voices – and a master songwriter. Blessings to your soulful spirit Merle & all of you family & loved ones.” – KU

Hillary Scott ‏@HillaryScottLA
“You are a cornerstone of country music @merlehaggard…u will be missed greatly. Praying for the Haggard family.”

KACEY MUSGRAVES ‏@KaceyMusgraves 
“I think I’ll just stay here and drink.”

Billy Currington ‏@billycurrington 
“rip @merlehaggard thank you for all the great music u blessed us with. we will play it forever.”

Dierks Bentley ‏@DierksBentley 
“Literally just fell to the floor. can’t believe we lost the hag. rip merle haggard.”

Toby Keith ‏@TobyKeithMusic 
“The greatest singer songwriter of my lifetime is gone. Thanks for the music and friendship. R.I.P. Hag. – T”

GaryAllan ‏@GaryAllan 
“Merle was my all-time hero. Today we lost one of the greatest songwriters of country music and I will always regret not recording with him. He was a legend and I was honored whenever we got the chance to share a stage with him. Thank you for the inspiration, the advice and for always being you. I, as well as the entire music community, will miss you Merle.”

Darius Rucker ‏@dariusrucker
“Heaven’s band just got better! RIP to the LEGENDARY @merlehaggard. Your music will never die!”

Jon Pardi ‏@JonPardi 
“Sad day today @merlehaggard has passed. RIP to a true songwriter, a pioneer of California Country, and country music.”

Kip Moore ‏@KipMooreMusic 
“RIP Merle…you paved the way for so many. You had what we all hope for…a voice that matters and survives the ever changing trends.”

Josh Turner ‏@joshturnermusic  5m5 minutes ago
“Pains me to say that country music icon @merlehaggard has passed away. So honored to have known him and shared the stage with him. Thanks Merle for all you’ve done for us!”

Mickey Guyton ‏@MickeyGuyton 
“RIP Merle Haggard. Heaven’s choir just got a heck of a lot better.”

For David Nail, seeing Merle in concert was a life-changing experience. “The night I saw Merle At the Golden Nugget, it was the single greatest combination of seeing an artist/venue/city together, that I’ve ever witnessed.  It was a spiritual experience.  I looked at my buddy multiple times in disbelief that we were actually there.  I teared up on a few songs.  I knew the greatness I was seeing/hearing.”

George Strait was a huge fan of Merle Haggard’s. He says, “When I was in the Army and stationed at Schofield barracks in Hawaii, you know Merle came there, and he played Conroy Bowl.  And I remember I was playing an NCO club that night, and before my little gig, I got to run over there and I kinda snuck in and saw Merle and it just blew me away. That’s what I wanted to be like, you know, I wanted to be like the Hag. And so, I can’t tell you how big of an influence he was on me, just huge.”

Strait also posted a reaction on his socials: “It’s a very sad day for all of us Hag fans. He was a true icon of the music world and it’s hard to believe we won’t be able to see him anymore. I honestly think that had it not been for him, I would not have chosen the path that I chose.” – G

Finalists for the 2016 American Country Countdown Awards were announced today. Luke Bryan leads the nominees with seven nods, including the night’s biggest honor, Artist of the Year. Sam Hunt has five, while Thomas Rhett and Zac Brown Band each have four.

The American Country Countdown Awards are based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show, “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” which has recognized the best in country radio for more than 40 years. This year’s host and additional performers and presenters will be announced soon.

The 2016 American Country Countdown Awards will air live from the Forum in Los Angeles, California May 1^st at 8pm ET/PT delayed on FOX. (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Tickets for the American Country Countdown Awards at the Forum are on sale now atwww.ticketmaster.com.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Blake Shelton

Florida Georgia Line

Jason Aldean

Luke Bryan

Sam Hunt 

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Blake Shelton

Jason Aldean

Luke Bryan

Sam Hunt

Thomas Rhett

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Cam

Carrie Underwood

Jana Kramer

Kelsea Ballerini

Miranda Lambert
GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

A Thousand Horses

Dan + Shay

Florida Georgia Line

Old Dominion

Zac Brown Band
BREAKTHROUGH MALE OF THE YEAR

Chris Janson

Michael Ray

Sam Hunt

BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE OF THE YEAR

Cam

Jana Kramer

Kelsea Ballerini

BREAKTHROUGH GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

A Thousand Horses

Dan + Shay

Old Dominion

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Stay A Little Longer” – Brothers Osborne

“Home Alone Tonight” – Luke Bryan featuring Karen Fairchild

“Strip It Down” – Luke Bryan

“Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett

“Homegrown” – Zac Brown Band

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

“Storyteller” – Carrie Underwood

“Traveller” – Chris Stapleton

“Kill the Lights” – Luke Bryan

“Montevallo” – Sam Hunt

“Jekyll + Hyde” – Zac Brown Band

DIGITAL SONG OF THE YEAR

“Girl Crush” – Little Big Town

“Kick The Dust Up” – Luke Bryan

“Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett

DIGITAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

“Anything Goes” – Florida Georgia Line

“Montevallo” – Sam Hunt

“Tangled Up” – Thomas Rhett

TOURING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Garth Brooks

Kenny Chesney

Luke Bryan

Shania Twain

Zac Brown Band

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS finalists and winners for all categories are based on radio airplay charts, sales and streaming data from April 1, 2015 to March 28, 2016 provided by BuzzAngle Music. Touring data is from Pollstar “The Concert Hotwire.” The NASH Icon Award is chosen by The American Country Countdown.

Cabela’s and country music superstar and Cabela’s ambassador Luke Bryan announced the superstar’s 32 Bridge clothing line will expand to offer a new collection of apparel inspired by his new single, “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day.” The new apparel line, named HFE, will be available exclusively at Cabela’s and debuted this past Friday (April 1st).

The HFE collection will offer both men’s and women’s apparel, including short-sleeve T-shirts, long-sleeve T-shirts, caps and more. It will be offered online at www.cabelas.com, by phone at (800) 237-4444 and at select Cabela’s retail stores.

“I grew up hunting, fishing and loving the outdoors in Lee County, Georgia,” said Bryan. “No matter where you may be from, my hope is that living the HFE lifestyle will make you feel complete. My song ‘Huntin, Fishin and Lovin Every Day’ embodies who I am as a person and an artist and I want to share that with all my fans and those who share my love for the outdoors.”

Cabela’s and Bryan collaborated to design and create the 32 Bridge clothing line to appeal to country music fans and outdoor enthusiasts. Bryan drew inspiration for the collection from his childhood home near Route 32 Bridge in Lee County, Georgia and his passion for the outdoors. The new HFE assortment expands on that inspiration and passion for the outdoors.

For additional information about Cabela’s partnership with Luke Bryan, 32 Bridge products and Cabela’s locations offering 32 Bridge, visit www.cabelas.com/32bridge.

Luke Bryan premiered the video for his latest hit single, “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” on VEVO Sunday night (April 3rd). Many friends and family members, including his wife Caroline and his children as well as his Buck Commander friends, appear in the clip, which shows the superstar “lovin’ every day!” Check it out here or below.

On Saturday Night (April 2nd), Dierks Bentley headlined the second night of the 4th ACM Party for a Cause® Festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. The three-day event continued with an all-star lineup of performers on the Ram Trucks Main Stage including Chris Stapleton, Frankie Ballard, Lee Brice, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch and Chris Young.
Highlights from the second day and night included:

• Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelly and Eric Paslay joined headliner Dierks Bentley on stage to perform Kelley’s debut solo single, “The Driver.”
• Chris Stapleton performed a duet with his wife, Morgane, as the sunset over the Las Vegas Festival Grounds.
• ACM CEO Bob Romeo presented Chris Stapleton with his ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year

The morning kicked off with the ACM & Cabela’s Celebrity Tic-Tac-Toe Archery Tournament. Cabela’s Ambassadors Luke Bryan and Justin Moore returned to host the fan-favorite event held at the Cabela’s Stage at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. Country music stars Luke Bryan, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, Eric Paslay, Chris Rice, and Granger Smith, former MLB player Adam LaRoche, plus Cabela’s pro staff Wade Middleton and Kristy Titus participated in the archery tournament featuring Cabela’s state-of-the-art archery equipment.

“LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 02: Singers Justin Moore (L) and Luke Bryan attend Cabela’s & Academy of Country Music Celebrity Archery Tournament during the 4th ACM Party for a Cause Festival at at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on April 2, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM)”

“LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 02: Singers Justin Moore (L) and Luke Bryan attend Cabela’s & Academy of Country Music Celebrity Archery Tournament during the 4th ACM Party for a Cause Festival at at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on April 2, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM)”

o   HIGHLIGHTS:

• Team Luke and Team Justin competing head-to-head for the trophy:
• Team Luke included country music artists Chris Janson, Chase Rice, and Granger Smith plus Cabela’s pro staffer Wade Middleton.
• Team Justin included artists Dustin Lynch, Eric Paslay, former MLB player Adam LaRoche and Cabela’s Pro Staffer Kristy Titus. Country artist Lucas Hoge and bow hunting athlete Cameron Hanes also competed at the event during half-time.
• Team Luke was leading the competition when host Storme Warren suggested that Luke and Justin make a sudden death deal: the two artists shoot one last game of tic-tac-toe and whoever wins would take home the trophy. In spite of Team Luke’s commanding lead, Justin surprised the crowd with a victory!

On Sunday (April 3rd), Kenny Chesney will close out the festival with a full set after his performance on the 51st ACM Awards. Earlier in the evening, Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt, Kip Moore, Chase Rice and Old Dominion will perform on the Ram Trucks Main Stage.

The Academy of Country Music Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena Sunday at 8pm ET/delayed PT on CBS.

Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan have been pre-gaming for Sunday night’s ACM Awards. They joke that there’s not a lot of preparation, though, that goes into doing the monologue of a big awards show.

“What he’s told me was that there is actually no monologue. Backstage, you just have like six drinks,” says Dierks. “Hopefully, we’re gonna find one in a little bit, but for now Luke’s just said, ‘Yeah go out there, have some drinks and have fun.So, hopefully he’s not messing with me.”

You can catch the action for yourselves when the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday (April 3rd) at 8pm ET/delayed PT on CBS.

From The Tennessean:

Luke Bryan, who will co-host the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday with Dierks Bentley, had a different sidekick Tuesday night — R&B star Jason Derulo.

The pair filmed “CMT Crossroads: Jason Derulo and Luke Bryan” at The Factory in Franklin. On the show, country music stars and singers from outside the genre take turns singing lines in each other’s songs.

“I can’t express how hard it is to come in and learn these songs in a day and a half,” Bryan said from the stage. “(Jason) is crushing it.”

Bryan said he already knew Derulo’s songs because his children listen to his music.

“They don’t listen to Dad,” he quipped.

Hundreds of fans piled into Liberty Hall at The Factory for the show. The men, both charismatic entertainers, started the taping with Bryan’s hits including “Country Girl (Shake it For Me),” “That’s My Kind of Night” and “Strip It Down,” which took a couple of tries to perfect. Derulo added his signature vocal acrobatics to the sexy ballad, which prompted Bryan to ask, “How you do that?”

When Derulo’s music was showcased, Bryan confidently and comfortably covered his parts on Derulo’s “Talk Dirty,” “Trumpets” and “It Girl.”

“This is crazy,” Derulo said of their performance. Then he told Bryan: “Take us on the road.”

Saving the tour conversation for later, the singers opted to take the audience south — to Georgia for their cover song. They performed a stripped-down version of “Georgia On My Mind” — twice because Derulo said it was fun to sing.

“CMT Crossroads: Jason Derulo and Luke Bryan” has yet to be assigned an air date.

Fans can watch Bryan when he co-hosts the ACM Awards at 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS.