Jake Owen Has an ACM, Could CMA Award Be Next?

Earlier this year, country newcomer Jake Owen took home the trophy for the ACM's New Artist Award. Could he make it two for two in '09?

On Wednesday night (Nov. 11), Jake is also nominated for the CMA's Best New Artist honor, pitted against Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker and the Zac Brown Band. Jake hopes the earlier win might just bring him a bit of good luck.

"If I could pull off both of these, it would be an amazing feat, but just to be nominated at all is an awesome thing," Jake tells Nashville's Tennessean newspaper.

Since the ACM win, Jake has released his second album, 'Easy Does It,' and took the single, 'Don't Think I Can't Love You' to No. 2. "I definitely think the notoriety of that [ACM] award, which is something to hang my hat on, has helped out," says the singer.

Wednesday night's awards show will be the second CMA ceremony Jake has attended since arriving in Music City. In addition to the nomination, Jake is excited about catching up with friends - one in particular.

"The one person who has always been very helpful to me and given me a lot of advice is Kenny Chesney," Jake says. "I can't speak highly enough of him. It feels so good to have that mutual respect from artists I have always respected and to feel that people are pulling for me and enjoying the kind of music that I'm putting out."

Jake's latest single from 'Easy Does It' is 'Eight Second Ride.'