Jake Owen

Owen, whose rocking brand of country already has landed a handful of singles in the top 20, was named top new malevocalist in April at the Academy of Country Music Awards, and he's vying this week to be named best new act by the Country Music Association.

Although the CMAs are considered more prestigious, the ACMs have grown in stature in the past decade, making both new-artist nominations significant for Owen, who launched his career in 2005.

"If I could pull off both of these, it would be an amazing feat. But just to be nominated at all is an awesome thing," says Owen, who's competing with Hootie & the Blowfish alum Darius Rucker, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson and the Zac Brown Band.

Owen, who released his second album, "Easy Does It," this year, credits hard work and a busy touring schedule for much of his early progress, but he also values the exposure that comes with winning awards.

"I definitely think the notoriety of that (ACM) award, which is something to hang my hat on, has helped out," says Owen, whose recent single, "Don't Think I Can't Love You," hit No. 2 on the country charts.

The singer also is looking forward to his second chance this year to hang out backstage with such superstars as George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, KeithUrban, Brooks & Dunn and Taylor Swift, all of whom are scheduled to perform on Wednesday's CMA broadcast.

Co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, as well as Martina McBride, Sugarland, Kid Rock and Rucker, also will perform.

"It's very humbling to walk backstage," Owen says. "I'm 28, so seven years ago I was still in college, sitting on a barstool and playing for my friends.

"Now, it feels so good to have that mutual respect from artists I have always respected, and to feel that people are pulling for me and enjoying the kind of music that I'm putting out."

Florida-born Owen, who grew up in Vero Beach and dreamed of being a professional golfer before an injury intervened, is thankful for the support he has received as an opening act for Chesney, Paisley and Sugarland, all multiple CMA winners.

"The one person who has always been very helpful to me and given me a lot of advice is Kenny Chesney," Owen says. "I can't speak highly enough of him."

Owen is expecting a bittersweet experience as he shares the stage with Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, who have announced that they will end their 20-year partnership next year.

"I'm a huge Brooks & Dunn fan. I just love Ronnie's voice," Owen says.

"But that's the way of the world, not just music. They're stepping back and allowing a spot for someone else to step up, whether it's me or anyone else."

http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2009/11/08/20091108CMAawards1108.html