ACM Awards: Chris Young Doesn’t Know What to Say About Seven Nods

"I know what three sevens on a slot machine means in Vegas!"

Written by Chris Parton
ACM Awards: Chris Young Doesn’t Know What to Say About Seven Nods
Chris Young; Photo credit: Jeff Johnson

Artists always say it’s just an honor to be nominated — and if that’s true, Chris Young is already the ACM Awards’ biggest winner. The “Famous Friends” hit maker came into tonight’s 57th annual show with a field-leading seven nominations, and he still isn’t sure what to make of it.

Speaking with Audacy’s Josh, Rachael and Grunwald in Las Vegas before the big event, Young said people keep asking him how it feels.

“I still don’t know what I’m supposed to say other than I’m excited!” he admitted. “I feel like I’ve said the word ‘excited’ about 8,000 times today.”

To be fair, “excited” is probably the best word for it. While it’s hardly his first nomination, Young’s 2022 feat is definitely a career best. His seven nods stem from doubling up on his 2021 most-played country radio song, “Famous Friends (featuring Kane Brown)” and his Famous Friends album, which each earned him credit as not just an artist, but also a co-writer and co-producer.

Thinking ahead, Young knows there’s no guarantee he’ll win. But this is Vegas, and he’s holding the most cards.

“The cool thing is, [seven is] my lucky number, it’s on the seventh [of March], it’s the 57th [awards show],” Young said. “I know what three sevens on a slot machine means in Vegas — it means you won something. So I’ve got my fingers crossed!”

Co-hosted by Dolly Parton with Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett, the 57th annual ACM Awards air live from Las Vegas Allegiant Stadium tonight (March 7), streaming exclusively on Prime Video at 8 pm ET.