David Nail

First-time nominees include rock stars Billy Gibbons and Dave Matthews, pop singer-turned-country hitmaker Darius Rucker and budding country acts Randy Houser, Bomshel, Gloriana, Steel Magnolia and David Nail. Nail’s “Red Light” received a single record nomination along with works from Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum, Billy Currington and the Zac Brown Band.

“I think the biggest thing for me is to see those other names beside me,” Nail said. “I don’t personally know the Zac Brown Band, but I know Lady A and Miranda and Billy all really well, and I have to be honest, the first thing I thought of was, ‘I don’t have a prayer in the world of winning.’ But at least I’ve got three other friends, and if one of them wins, I won’t be sad losing to them. They’ve all had the biggest years of their careers. It’s just an honor.”