ACM Awards 2012 Live Stream, Academy Country Music Ceremony Webcast Feed

ACM Awards 2012 Live Stream, Academy Country Music Ceremony Webcast Feed

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California as the Country & Western Music Academy. Whereas the Country Music Association, founded in 1958, was based in Nashville, the Academy sought to promote country music in the western states. Among those involved in the founding was West Coast singer, songwriter, and actor Eddie Dean. As such, its early membership was largely composed of those country performers based in the west. This is evidenced by the early awards shows being dominated by Bakersfield artists Buck and Bonnie Owens, and Merle Haggard. At the first ceremony held in 1965, Buck Owens won for Top Male Vocalist and Bonnie Owens won for Top Female Vocalist. Haggard was named Top New Male Vocalist, Kay Adams was named Top New Female Vocalist and Buck Owens's band, The Buckaroos, were named Band Of The Year.

The most prestigious awards are for Artist of the Decade and Entertainer of the Year. There are a number of other awards to recognize male and female vocalists, albums, videos, songs and musicians. The awards are typically presented in April or May and recognize achievement for the previous year. An award presented in 1999 is for achievement in 1998, i.e., the "1998" award.

Nominees:

Entertainer of the Year

Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift

Male Vocalist of the Year

Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Chris Young

Female Vocalist of the Year

Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Vocal Duo of the Year

Love and Theft
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Thompson Square

Vocal Group of the Year

The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

New Artist of the Year

Brantley Gilbert
Hunter Hayes
Scotty McCreery