Eric Church is the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, and he's up for the same honor at Sunday (April 18th) night's ACM Awards in Nashville. Since taking home CMA Entertainer in November, Eric tells us he has a completely new perspective on carrying that title.

“Coming off the CMA Entertainer of the Year, I did not know what that award would mean to me. I know what that award means to the format; I know what that means historically, and I tried to live up to that. I think with the vaccinations, I think with the touring, I think with the things we’ve tried to do during this, I’ve done more in that regard than I ever would’ve, because I understand the people that came before me, and I understand the people that will come after me. So, that nomination means more to me now than it probably ever has, and I think representing the format that I adore is something that I’m trying to live up to.”

Eric is also nominated for Male Artist and Music Event of the Year for "Does To Me" with Luke Combs. He is set to perform during the live ACM Awards broadcast, which airs on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. ET.