CMA New Artist of the Year Nominees Look Forward to Thursday Night's Ceremony.

The CMA New Artist of the Year category is of the biggest indicators of which country stars are going to be around for the long haul, and the nominees don't take that recognition lightly. Though he's just 21 years old, Hunter Hayes has been dreaming of getting this nomination for a long time now. It finally happened thanks in large part to his #1 hit "Wanted." "It's such an honor to be recognized by the family of musicians that I've grown up listening to and all these artists that I respect so much," Hunter says of his New Artist nomination. "This whole industry sort of looks at you and says, 'Yeah, here's your nomination for an award you've been wanting to achieve for a long time.'" Lee Brice is honored to be nominated for New Artist of the Year, but he won't be worried about winning the trophy on his way to the show Thursday night. Lee is taking his fiancé Sarah with him to the CMA Awards this year, and the day of the event is all about getting her ready and out the door. It all starts with Sarah getting her outfit on and fixing her makeup throughout the day. Lee is there every step of the way answering every time Sarah asks him how she looks.  It continues as they make their way to the CMA Awards in the car. Lee says when they finally get out of the car on the carpet, "She's worried about getting out and tripping over her feet. So really, it's more about me just making sure Sarah's all right." Love and Theft will be attending Thursday night's CMA Awards as first-time nominees in two categories -- New Artist of the Year and Duo of the Year. They know the competition is pretty stiff in both categories, and the duo's Eric Gunderson says, "We're just excited to be in good company, and we'll see what happens." Love and Theft's nominations come after they scored their first #1 hit, "Angel Eyes," earlier this year. They've also been on the road opening for Brad Paisley and Jake Owen. "We've just worked as hard as we can this year," Eric says. "I know everybody else has too.  So, hopefully people recognize that." Brantley Gilbert and Thompson Square round out the New Artist of the Year category.

(ABC Country)

Lee Brice's Tour Bus Caught Fire While He and His Crew Were Inside . . . But No One Was Hurt.

LEE BRICE'S tour bus caught fire on Saturday a few hours before his show at TOBY KEITH'S I Love This Bar and Grill in Mesa, Arizona. Lee and some of his crew were on the bus at the time but everyone got off safely. Lee told Phoenix's KNXV-TV, quote, "I was sleeping. A few of us were sleeping. They were like,'bus is on fire, we're not kidding.' So we had to run off and within a couple of minutes it was in flames. The whole back was burned through." After firefighters cleared the passengers they pulled out the luggage and equipment. A few items were lost, like stage clothes and some gear. Officials believe the fire started in the engine area, perhaps from a short in the bus batteries. Lee put it all in perspective when he said, quote, "You know what, everybody is okay and that's really the most important thing. We're blessed. We'll be okay." By the way . . . Lee Brice and his band managed to shake the whole thing off and still do their show that night.

Lee Brice Is Glad He Took His Time Before He Released His Debut Album.

There are tons of little things that go into making a really good album. Two of them are patience and experience. That's what LEE BRICE discovered. The record company suits wanted Lee to drop a debut album back in 2007, but he said no. Instead, he kept performing and working the road before finally releasing "Love Like Crazy" last summer. He's glad he waited. Lee says, quote, "It would not have been near the album we have now. Being out on the road changes your perspective, and you start to grow as a person. These past few years I learned that, as a songwriter, I can focus on quality, not quantity. I have less time to write now, but I only focus on a song that will be something special."

Music Video Of The Day: Lee Brice - Love Like Crazy

Lee Brice - Love Like Crazy