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Maren Morris, Chris Stapleton lead ACM Awards nominations
Morris and Stapleton lead the nominations for this year's Academy of Country Music Awards. The academy announced on Friday that Morris and Stapleton both had six nominations ahead of the April 18 awards show, which will air on CBS from Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ Maren Morris and Chris Stapleton are the leading nominees for the Academy of Country Music Awards, but only Stapleton joined the all-male ballot for the top prize of entertainer of the year. The academy announced on Friday that Morris and Stapleton both had six nominations ahead of the April 18 awards show, which will air on CBS from Nashville, Tennessee. AdMiranda Lambert, who is already the most nominated artist in ACM history, stretched her streak with five nominations.
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Country singer Lee Brice to miss CMA Awards due to COVID-19
NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ Country singer Lee Brice tested positive for COVID-19 and will not perform as scheduled at the CMA Awards on Wednesday. A representative for Brice told The Associated Press on Sunday that he is โin good spirits and not experiencing any symptoms." Brice was tested ahead of the awards show, which will be broadcast on ABC from Nashville, Tennessee, where he had been scheduled to perform with Carly Pearce. Pearce and Brice are both nominated for their duet โI Hope You're Happy Now," in the categories musical event of the year and music video of the year. A CMA spokesperson said Brice was tested and received his result before arriving onsite for any of show rehearsals or activities.
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Miranda Lambert leads CMA noms, Luke Combs' streak continues
The CMAs announced Tuesday that Lambert earned seven nominations. She's followed by Luke Combs, who continues his streak of success as one of country musics biggest streaming artists with six nominations, including his first for entertainer of the year. Combs earned his first all-genre No. Carrie Underwood joins Combs and Lambert in the entertainer of the year category, along with Keith Urban and Eric Church. Other top nominees include Maren Morris, who scored five nominations including song and single of the year for her love song, The Bones."

Carly Pearce and Michael Ray Get Married in Nashville
Wedding bells are chiming for Carly Pearce and Michael Ray. The lavish wedding also featured a performance from fellow country crooner Jake Owen, who performed a song for the couple's first dance. "I was like, 'Mom, I know you love Jake Owen, but you can't stare at him at the wedding!" RELATED CONTENT:Carly Pearce and Michael Ray Hint at Upcoming Duets! (Exclusive)Carly Pearce Writes Her Next Chapter With Grace and Girl Power (Exclusive)Carly Pearce and Michael Ray Confirm They're Dating With Adorable PDA Pic

Songwriter Busbee Reportedly Dead at 43 -- Maren Morris, Carly Pearce & More Celebs React
Country singer Maren Morris took to Instagram on Sunday to share a snapshot of herself and Busbee backstage at a show. I will always love you and the songs and albums I was lucky to make with you, Busbee. Busbee wrote four songs for Morris -- including "My Church" and "80s Mercedes" -- as well as co-produced her 2016 debut studio album, Hero. Singer Carly Pearce also shared a heartbreaking slideshow of snapshots showing herself and Busbee through the years. Ill cherish the 2 albums, songs, talks, laughs & memories we shared over the years," Pearce shared in the post.