Grammy Nominees React — Miranda, Keith, LeAnn + More

The Grammy nominations were announced Wednesday night, and once again Nashville artists continue to excel in both country and all-genre categories.

Miranda Lambert has three Grammy nods in Female Country Vocal Performance, Country Collaboration With Vocals and Best Country Song. The Texas songbird says the recognition is validation that she is on the right path. "It feels good to be nominated for a Grammy," she tells MTV. "It's such a prestigious awards show. It's mattered so much in just all music, especially for country right now, because I think we're finally out there. We're finally where people are paying attention to country music, and we're part of the world of music now. We're not out by ourselves anymore."

The recent triple-CMA Award winner says the CBS Grammy nominations live concert on Wednesday was special for her for reasons other than her name being called so many times. "I'm glad that I get to be a part of all this," she continues. "Grammys are cool because it's one room and all these artists and one night to celebrate all kinds of music, and for the people in the industry to acknowledge the talent in the room," she said. "It's so cool to be in that room and feel that energy. It's just crazy, because music is what drives us all."

Gretchen Wilson, who won the Female Vocal Country Performance a Grammy in 2004 for her debut single, 'Redneck Woman,' is in the running to take home another trophy in the same category for her ballad, 'I'd Love to Be Your Last,' from her latest CD, 'I've Got Your Country Right Here.' The Grammy nod, Gretchen insists, is thanks to the three writers who penned the hit. "This is a beautiful love song, just so beautifully written," Gretchen states. "It's the kind of song that almost makes you cry every time you hear it. I'm really excited about the nominations and very thankful to Rivers [Rutherford], Annie and Sam [Tate] for writing such an amazing song."

David Nail says the moment he heard the news that he was nominated for Best Male Country Performance for his hit, 'Turning Home,' will forever be etched in his mind. "I was checking ESPN.COM one last time before getting into bed when my phone vibrated," he explains. "I was scared to answer and wake up my wife, but I simply whispered hello. All I remember is my manager screaming and me falling to the floor! Without question, the greatest moment of my career! I will forever be Grammy nominated! Wow!"

David later took to his Twitter page to share the good news with his more than 14,000 followers."I'm in tears people," he tweeted. "Short of finding my wife, greatest moment in my life! I haven't the words! Grammy? Thank everyone for believing!"

Several recent nominees also took to their Twitter page to express their elation over last night's big news. "Hey everyone....just heard about the Grammy nomination for "Till Summer Comes Around"....what a beautiful start to the day today," Keith Urban posted regarding his Grammy nod for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. "Deeply deeply grateful for this ... wish I could take you all to the Grammy's with us!!!!!"

"Morning! Couldn't sleep very well last night," LeAnn Rimes tweeted after hearing her nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her remake of John Anderson's 'Swingin'. "Too much excitement, LOL! I'm the only one up, drinking my coffee and hanging with my doggies. Happy Thursday!"

Jewel, also nominated in the Best Female country Vocal Performance category, for her single, 'Satisfied,' also took to Twitter to embrace the good news. "So excited to be nominated for @theGRAMMYs!," she gushed. "Thx u all 4 the congrats."

Blake Shelton, nominated for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals, along with good friend Trace Adkins for their hit, 'Hillbilly Bone,' used humor when expressing his gratitude.. "Grammy nomination, daddy likey," he tweeted. "Seeing dudes wearing their pants below their ass ... Daddy laughy."

Little Big Town, nominated for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for their hit 'Little White Church,' kept it short and sweet in their post-Grammy nod tweet. "We got a Grammy Nomination!!!!!!!!!!!"

The Band Perry took to their Facebook page to express their emotions."AHHHHHHHH!!! WE JUST FOUND OUT THAT IF I DIE YOUNG GOT NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY!!! CANT BELIEVE WE JUST GOT TO SAY THAT OUT LOUD. CAKE FOR EVERYONE!!!"

Other country nominees include Lady Antebellum, who lead the Nashville pack with six nods, Marty Stuart, Chris Young, George Strait and Dailey & Vincent. See a full list of nominees here. The 53rd annual Grammy Awards will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 13, 2011.