The nominees are out for the "47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards", and look who's back on top: KENNY CHESNEY.  He didn't get much love last year, but he dominated this time out with NINE nominations.

--JASON ALDEAN had a huge year so I expected him to have a strong showing.  He did . . . picking up SIX nods.  And I will shake my fists in anger if his album "My Kinda Party" does not win the Top Album trophy.

--Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean are also up for Entertainer of the Year . . . along with BRAD PAISLEY, TAYLOR SWIFT and BLAKE SHELTON.  My money's on Blake or Brad.  Kenny's already won it four times, and Taylor did last year.

--LADY ANTEBELLUM had a strong showing, picking up five nominations . . . but the delectable MIRANDA LAMBERT only got two.  Bummer.  I mean, even TOBY KEITH'S "Red Solo Cup" got two nominations, and it's a novelty song, right?

--As always, they want YOU to pick the New Artist.  There are eight semi-finalists.  (--You can cast your vote, here.  You have until January 30th.)  The final three nominees will be announced March 19th, and voting closes the night of the ACMs.

--BLAKE SHELTON and REBA MCENTIRE will be your hosts and the show airs on Sunday, April 1st, on CBS.