Country music academy has time for Jackson

Alan Jackson, who received a leading eight Academy of Country Music nominations Wednesday, can justify celebrating as early as he wants because -- as the title of his hit song suggests -- “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”

The ode to leaving work early for the bar, a duet with Jimmy Buffett, was recognized in four categories: single, video, vocal event and song of the year. It was written by Jim Brown and Donald Rollins.

Jackson was also nominated for entertainer of the year, along with the duo Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney.

Nominees are determined by the 3,000-member academy based in Burbank. Winners will be announced May 26 from Las Vegas, with Reba McEntire as host of the CBS show.

From Associated Press