[2] In 2012, "Song of the Year" was added with the nominations coming from the Nashville Songwriters International Association.

[2][3] The 2012 ceremony took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, on December 10.

At the 2010 ceremonies, Carrie Underwood was the top winner with 6 awards, including the first-ever Artist of the Year.

Fox co-branded its New Year's Eve Live special for 2011–12 with the American Country Awards as American Country New Year's Eve Live, which featured performances by Rodney Atkins, American Idol season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina, the Eli Young Band, Joe Nichols, and Toby Keith.

In 2012, Luke Bryan won 7 Awards, including Artist of the year, the most wins in a single ceremony.