ACM Changes Rules for New Artist of the Year Category

The Academy of Country Music has announced structure changes to their New Artist of the Year award, narrowing down the nominees to one, all-inclusive category of three nominees. The Top eight new artists from the first round of ACM industry voting will be semi-finalists in the category, with only the top three moving on to compete for the coveted honor. Voting for the final two rounds will consist of a combination of industry and fan voting.

Last year, the Band Perry, Steel Magnolia and the JaneDear Girls were all nominated as Top New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year, with Eric Church, Easton Corbin and Randy Houser competing as New Solo Artist of the Year. The Band Perry and Eric won their respective categories, with the sibling trio ultimately taking home the fan-voted award.

On the strength of their massive triple-platinum, No. 1 single 'If I Die Young,' the Band Perry also won the 2011 CMA New Artist of the Year category, also taking home the trophy for Single and Song of the Year.The band continues their hot streak with a prestigious New Artist Grammy nomination, announced yesterday.



Click here to learn more about the ACM voting and criteria. Final nominees will be announced in February 2012.