Yallwire News

Eric Church's chart-topping album, CHIEF, which was released on July 26, 2011 and features his latest Top 10 and climbing single "Drink In My Hand" as well as the Top 15 "Homeboy," has earned Church his first Grammy nomination for Best Country Album at the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

"The GRAMMYs are the ultimate honor for any recording artist. It's very cool that they recognized CHIEF in what I feel is the most coveted category," shares Church. "I got into the music business because of great records and the feelings they imparted on my heart. I've poured everything I am into making those kinds of albums, and I am very thankful for this nod."

Produced by Jay Joyce, CHIEF was a labor of love for Church who secluded himself in a cabin in his home state of North Carolina for over a month to write the record with notable hitmakers Casey Beathard, Luke Laird, Jeff Hyde and more. The album was recorded and mixed by Joyce in his Nashville, TN studio.

Country rock Jason Aldean also snagged his first ever GRAMMY nominations last night, and tied for the most nods of any country artist with three in the categories of Best Country Album for My Kinda Party, Best Country Solo Performance for "Dirt Road Anthem" and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Don't You Wanna Stay" with Kelly Clarkson.

"I was totally stunned last night, and it all happened so fast. I was feelin' a pretty big adrenaline rush from our performance with Luda, and then to be told we had three nominations was just crazy. We were flying pretty high all night...there was definitely some celebrating on the flight back to Nashville," says Aldean. "That 'Album' nomination is what artists dream of their whole career. And then for both the duet with Kelly and 'Dirt Road' to get some recognition, which were both different kinds of songs for us this year, its just incredible."

Nominations were announced during the one-hour GRAMMY Nomination Concert LIVE! special last night, where Aldean got a standing ovation for his performance of the double platinum, No. 1 hit "Dirt Road Anthem." He was joined by fellow Georgia native Ludacris who re-wrote a verse of the fan-favorite song earlier this year.

Congrats to all of the nominees!