Dierks Bentley: ‘Different for Girls’ CMA Awards Nod Is ‘a Big Deal’

Dierks Bentley is nominated for four CMA Awards in 2016, including Musical Event of the Year, for "Different for Girls," his duet with Elle King. Both artists admit that the industry recognition for the song, which became Bentley's 15th No. 1 single, was more than either of them expected.

"It’s a big deal. To go from playing on Broadway [in Nashville] to right now ..." Bentley recently told The Boot and other reporters. "This song, I lost a lot of sleep over it being a single, because I was just scared to death people weren’t going to get it, or it was just too much for people to handle. To be nominated is a huge deal … There are a lot of collaborations up."

"I didn’t ever expect it, but now, looking back, I’m singing with him, so it’s like, ‘Oh, of course that would happen.' But it's a total honor," adds King, who admits that she's most excited about the actual CMA Awards ceremony and the after-parties: "That means I get to come hang out with him and come get free booze again, so it’s pretty much a win-win," she jokes.

The success of "Different for Girls" is especially sweet for Bentley, who concedes that the tune is unlike any of his previous hits.

“Over the years, I’ve just tried to think one step ahead of where I usually stop thinking,” he explains.“It’s a song that’s open for dialogue; it makes you think about one thing, makes you think about something else … It’s a crazy song. That’s why I put it out there, just to put out something different.”

Bentley is also nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year (Black) and Video of the Year ("Somewhere on a Beach") at the 2016 CMA Awards. Although the singer says he'd love to walk away with an armful of trophies, he insists that he really is content just to be nominated.

“I’ve been nominated a lot … I love nominations,” Bentley shares. “I feel like this sounds like a cliche to say, but you get a chance to walk on the stage every night, for 10, 12, 15,000 people — it’s a pretty good award, right there, every night. You have a lot of respect for your peers. It’s awesome to be nominated.”'

The 2016 CMA Awards will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 2 at 8PM ET on ABC.

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