Blake, Miranda, Darius + More React to ACM Nominations

All eyes (and ears) were on Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton this morning, as they read the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards nominations live on CBS. Lady Antebellum scored the most nods seven this year, followed by Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, who have six apiece. The Boot rounds up spirited reaction from some of your favorite ACM nominees.

"This is the best day of my life! I got to read the nominations with the 'queen of country music,' Reba. And, then I find out 'Hillbilly Bone' is nominated! I'm glad that my first nomination in years is with one of my great friends, Trace Adkins. The only thing that could make this day better is if Betty White was there to give me the award should I win!" -- Blake Shelton, nominated for Vocal Event of the Year for 'Hillbilly Bone,' his duet with Trace Adkins

"I was already thrilled to be hosting the ACM's again, but now to be nominated with all of these great girls in the female vocalist category, I am tickled to pieces. It's been such an amazing year. Thanks to Country Radio and to the fans for all your love and support. I've said it before and I'll say it again – Country music fans are THE best fans in the world." -- Reba McEntire, nominated for Top Female Vocalist of the Year

"My management called and told me to turn on the TV to 'The Early Show,' and I couldn't believe they read my name. I feel so blessed to have been embraced and considered a contender in this format. I'm in the same category as George Strait, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, and Kenny Chesney. Wow." -- Darius Rucker, nominated for Top Male Vocalist of the Year

"Wow. What a great way to start the day ... Reba and Blake Shelton on national TV saying my name 3 times for ACM noms. Ecstatic!!!!" -- Miranda Lambert, who has six total ACM nominations, including Top Female Vocalist and Top Album of the Year

"Were flipping out about the ACM nominations!!!! So honored and humbled. Taking off now for NYC, 'Today Show' tomorrow. Love u all!" -- Lady Antebellum, who have seven nominations, including Top Album and Top Vocal Group of the Year

"You're so busy making the music, you don't always remember to check in with the business behind the music. But don't think it means any less ... or I'm any less thrilled to hear my name called. I got into this to move people, to connect -- and I'm very grateful for all the opportunities the music and the fans have given me. When you put all those things together -- and your peers recognize that work and that passion - well, that's a big part of why these awards and these nominations matter." -- Kenny Chesney, who has three ACM nominations including Entertainer of the Year

"This is pretty cool to be acknowledged by the ACM's like this. 'Boots On' was a big song for me and the video was a big part of it. That video could have stood on its own as a YouTube phenomenon and it would have been awesome; I just got lucky enough that Drake was singing my song. To receive this much national recognition for it is more than I ever dreamed of." -- Randy Houser, nominated for Video of the Year for 'Boots On'

"Thanks for all your kind words and support about the nominations... Awards are great but we make our music for YOU, the fans. Not our peers." -- Rascal Flatts' Jay DeMarcus, reacting to the group only receiving one nomination, for Top Vocal Group

"We thought our manager meant the Top NEW Vocal Duo Award. Then she started naming off all the superstar nominees like Brooks & Dunn and Sugarland, and then we realized we had been nominated for THE Top Vocal Duo Award, as well! We couldn't believe it. Then Meghan got another text message and started doing a little dance!" - Joshua Scott Jones of Steel Magnolia, who were nominated for both Top New Vocal Duo and Top Vocal Duo of the Year