Hunter Hayes is next with six, followed by Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert at five apiece.

NPR: Eric Church Leads ACM Awards Nominations With 7

Newcomer Hunter Hayes was nominated in six categories but also failed to win.

BBC: Miranda Lambert triumphs at country awards

And Stevie Wonder made his first appearance on a country music awards show, joining Hunter Hayes for a performance by two guys who got their start as precocious teens.

NPR: No One More Surprised Than Luke Bryan By ACMs Win