Thompson Square Garner First CMA Nominations

Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square shouldn't have any problem writing her acceptance speech if the duo happen to win the CMA's Duo or New Artist of the Year honors.

"When I was a little girl, my whole family would watch the CMA Awards," Shawna told The Boot shortly after nominations were revealed Tuesday morning. "I would pretend that I had won, and I would use a Mason jar as my award. Then I'd go in the kitchen and give my acceptance speech. So to be here today, standing so close to the real CMA award, is a thrill for me."

The duo, who are first-time CMA nominees, were joined by Jerrod Niemann at the Ryman Auditorium this morning to announce several of the nominees for the November 9 awards telecast.

Shawna's singing partner and husband, Kiefer Thompson, said it was an honor to be at the Ryman to read the names of the nominees, and to hear their name called. The two have attended the awards ceremony in years past, but both agreed nothing would compare to being there the first year they were nominated for awards.

"We've done this for 20 years, and to be nominated by votes from our peers just validates what we have been doing," Keifer said. "Knowing people take us seriously and that they accept us into the country music family is a big honor."

The duo have been on the road with Jason Aldean this summer, so, naturally, they're pulling for the five-time nominee, whose nods include a first-time nomination for Entertainer of the Year.

"He's been out there doing some things that no one else is doing right now," Keifer points out. "He's working hard on this tour, and selling out 25,000-seat arenas. He deserves to win."

The 45th Annual CMA Awards air live on ABC-TV beginning at 8:00 PM (ET), Nov. 9 from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Multiple nominees Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will serve hosts for the fourth time.