‘American Idol’ Winner Scotty McCreery Nominated for 2012 Best New Artist ACM Award

Congratulations to Scotty McCreery! The 'American Idol' Season 10 champ and country crooner has been nominated for a 2012 ACM Award, aka an American Country Music Award. McCreery has been nominated in the Best New Artist category, which is a considerable feat for someone who just turned 18!

McCreery is going up against fellow up-and-coming country acts Hunter Hayes and Brantley Gilbert, who fans also voted into the top three running for Best New Artist, at the 2012 ACM Awards. 'The Trouble With Girls' singer is thrilled over his nomination, writing on Twitter: "Big thanks to everybody who voted and helped me become a top 3 finalist for the ACM New Artist of the Year award! Yall are the best!"

The road to becoming a 2012 ACM Award nominee wasn't easy for McCreery, as he conquered on 'American Idol' week after week, giving his absolute all when he performed in his signature, bass vocals. Now, he has gone down in history as the first-ever 'American Idol' alum to see their debut album skyrocket to No. 1 on the Billboard's albums chart. McCreery's also the first country artist whose debut LP went to No. 1, and he's also the youngest male recording artist whose first-ever album topped the Billboard 200.

Fans can vote for McCreery in the Best New Artist category starting on March 19 at 12PM EST, and the polls will be opened until April 1 at 8PM EST. The show airs live on CBS on April 1, with 'The Voice' coach Blake Shelton and redheaded country vocalist Reba McEntire taking over hosting duties. If you want to check out a full of the 2012 ACM Award nominees, head over to our sister site Taste of Country.