Hailey Whitters is smiling ear to ear somewhere right now. The Eastern Iowa native continues to have a fantastic 2023. Her album 'Raised' continues to be loved by both fans and music critics. She has been featured on tours from Jon Pardi to Shania Twain. She has her first gold single in 'Everything She Ain't'. What could top all that?

How about your first career Academy of Country Music nomination? The ACMs released its full list of nominees for this year's awards which will be handed out on May 11th in Dallas, Texas.  The show will be hosted by Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton and for the first time will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime. Imagine hearing your name called out among other nominees like Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and Kane Brown! Hailey shared her amazing ACM news on her socials yesterday.

Yes, our very own Iowa country star is up for New Female Artist of the Year at the ACMs! I love how Hailey referenced her own song 'Ten Year Town' in her post. That was the song on her album 'The Dream' that woke many country fans up to the talent that Whitters had been putting on display all along. It spoke of the time and the struggles that she faced after moving to Nashville. Those days are gone. Now she is an ACM nominated artist with a real shot to win. The other artists nominated in Hailey's category include Priscilla Block, Megan Moroney, Caitlyn Smith, and Morgan Wade.

The entire state of Iowa is pulling for you, Hailey! Congrats on your first ACM nomination and best of luck at the show on May 11th! I wonder what she'll be wearing on the red carpet?

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