The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- George Strait leads the nominees announced for the Academy of Country Music Awards with eight nominations, including entertainer of the year and top male vocalist.

Vocal duo Brooks & Dunn got seven nominations and Rascal Flatts had six. The announcement was made at the Country Music Hall of Fame and aired live on CBS' "The Early Show" in early March.

See the complete list of nominations

The nominees were introduced by Kenny Chesney — the reigning ACM entertainer of the year — and the duo Sugarland.

"Whenever you get nominated, it's a reflection of a lot of people's hard work," Chesney said.

Carrie Underwood received five nominations and Big & Rich got four.

The 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be presented May 15 in Las Vegas.

Strait also was nominated as artist and producer for the album "It Just Comes Natural" and the single "Give It Away," which also was nominated for song of the year.

Brooks & Dunn were honored in the entertainer of the year and the top vocal duo categories, and their "Hillbilly Deluxe" was nominated for album of the year.

Rascal Flatts got nominations for entertainer of the year, top vocal group, best album for "Me and My Gang" and best single for "What Hurts the Most."

See the complete list of nominations