The ACM Awards are an opportunity for some of country music's newest acts to shine thanks to the awards show's New Female Vocalist, New Male Vocalist and New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year categories. And for nominated artists such as Chris Janson, Chris Lane and LoCash, that sort of recognition is certainly appreciated.

Nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year, Lane had a big 2016 thanks to the release of his studio album Girl Problems and the disc's heartwarming single "For Her," which reached the top spot on the iTunes Top Country Songs chart. The pop-country singer is currently on the road opening for Florida Georgia Line on their Dig Your Roots Tour.

"I'm super excited and in shock over my first ACM nomination,” says Lane in a press release. "It is such an honor to be nominated by my peers, and I can't wait to celebrate with everyone in Vegas!"

Also up for New Male Vocalist at the 2017 ACM Awards is another Chris: Chris Janson. Already known as a prolific songwriter on the country music scene, the release of his debut studio album, Buy Me a Boat, in 2015 established Janson as a powerful performer in his own right. In 2016, he released the third single from the album, "Holdin' Her," and joined Luke Bryan for Bryan's annual Farm Tour; coming up, Janson's hitting the road with Sam Hunt on his 15 in a 30 Tour and will join Tim McGraw and Faith Hill for select dates during their Soul2Soul Tour.

"I couldn't be more thrilled,” Janson says in a press release. “I love my life, love my job and love being recognized. I am so grateful. Unexpected blessings are the best."

Thanks to the release of their third studio album, The Fighters, and their latest sentimental single, "Ring on Every Finger," the guys in LoCash are also celebrating an ACM nomination in 2017. Up for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year, Chris Lucas and Preston Brust are currently on the road as part of Live Nation’s Ones to Watch Tour, which will hit more than a dozen cities through April.

“We are just so happy country radio gave us a chance and believed in us! Without them we wouldn't be here!" Lucas says in a press release, with Brust adding, “This is incredible! THANK YOU country radio, ACMs and every voter for your heart in this journey. We have dreamt of this day for so many minutes and so many miles."

The 2017 ACM Awards are set to take place in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 2, and air live on CBS beginning at 8PM ET. For the first time ever, the show will take place at T-Mobile Arena; Bryan and Dierks Bentley will return as co-hosts.

The Boot will be staying up late covering the most buzzed-about winners, fashion and moments at the 2017 ACM Awards. Readers can watch along with us by checking back to TheBoot.com for the latest ACMs headlines, liking The Boot on Facebook and following The Boot on Twitter.

Country Artists React to the 2017 ACM Awards Nominations

How Well Do You Know the ACM Awards?

More From KIX 105.7