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Newfield rakes in nominations for ACM Awards; Rimes to receive Humanitarian Award

The Academy of Country Music Award nominations were announced Feb. 11, with Winstock 2009 performer Heidi Newfield receiving FIVE nominations, including one for top female vocalist. She is also nominated for single record of the year and is nominated as an artist and composer for song of the year for "Johnny and June," for which she is also nominated for video of the year.

"The support and excitement for me and this record has really blown me away, and I'm so proud for all the wonderful people who've been involved in it," Newfield said the morning the nominations were announced. "I am truly honored and blessed. This is one of the happiest days of my life, so far!"

Newfield will take the Winstock stage Saturday, June 13 at 2:50 p.m.

Winstock 2009 headliners Brooks & Dunn and Big & Rich are both up for top vocal duo award, and Brooks & Dunn is also up for vocal event of the year for "Cowgirls Don't Cry" with Reba McEntire. If Brooks & Dunn win top vocal duo, it will be their 16th straight win in the category.

Donna Valentine, Muss, and Fish of K102 were nominated for on-air personality of the year in the major market category.

Winstock 2009 hitmaker LeAnn Rimes was also announced as the winner of the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award. In its eighth year, the Humanitarian Award recognizes country music artists who serve others, have a generous spirit, and help build the dreams of those in need. Rimes was selected by a special blue-ribbon committee comprised of executives in the country music industry and local and national philanthropic leaders, for her ongoing community service and charitable giving of her time and talent.

Rimes has made giving back a priority in her career and has been particularly devoted to children's causes. She previously served as the International Spokesperson for Children's Miracle Network, which secures topflight medical care for sick kids, and has generously supported Camp C.O.P.E., a service that teaches the children of wounded veterans to deal with their parents' altered lives. In 2007, Rimes partnered with Kellogg to draw attention to disabled veterans when she was featured on patriotic cereal boxes. She recorded the song "I Want You With Me" for this project and donated all proceeds from the song to the cause.

Rimes also financed construction of the LeAnn Rimes Adventure Gym at the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville by contributing royalties from her 2000 hit single, "I Need You." Additionally, she is an ardent supporter of the Nashville Humane Association and continues to speak out on the need to treat animals compassionately. Rimes has previously been honored with the International Entertainment Buyers Association Humanitarian Award and Redbook magazine's "Strength and Spirit Award," for her distinguished record of charitable achievements.

"I feel blessed to be able to help," said Rimes. "I strive to be actively involved in my community with my time and my heart, and I've been touched by the spirit and bravery of those I have encountered along the way. I'm honored that The Home Depot and the Academy have chosen to recognize my work and spread awareness of the worthy causes that inspire me."

As the recipient of the Humanitarian Award, Rimes will receive a beautiful crystal trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. during the live CBS telecast. She will also be honored with a playground donated by The Home Depot and their national nonprofit partner KaBOOM!, which envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. The playground will be built by The Home Depot volunteers and community members in the city of LeAnn's choice. Past recipients of the Humanitarian Award include Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Neal McCoy, Reba McEntire, Lonestar, and Rascal Flatts. Rimes will perform at Winstock 2009 Friday, June 12 at 8:40 p.m.

Members of the Academy of Country Music select the nominees and winners of the ACM Awards, and select the final top five nominees of the entertainer of the year category and the top three nominees in newcomer categories, top new female vocalist, top new male vocalist and top new vocal duo or group. Winstock 2008 headliner Reba McEntire will return for an unprecedented 11th time to host this year's show. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions, and will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8 p.m. ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

The 16th annual Winstock Country Music Festival will take place at the festival grounds in Winsted, Minnesota Friday and Saturday, June 12-13, 2008. Visit WinstockFestival.com for more information and to order tickets.