First-Time Nominee: Chris Young

The Recording Academy asked this year's first-time GRAMMY nominees to collect their thoughts and share what it feels like to be nominated for a GRAMMY. Tune in to the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13 on the CBS Television Network from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

I was completely blindsided and so elated when I got my first GRAMMY nomination this year. I have always looked at the GRAMMY Award as insanely special for any artist, and to be nominated for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for "Gettin' You Home" just made it that much more special for me.

I literally jumped completely off my couch when I found out I was nominated. My manager, who also manages Miranda Lambert, called me from L.A. to let me know I was nominated and Miranda ended up getting on the phone to help tell me the news. There couldn't have been a better way to find out!

Last year was such a wonderful year for me and going into 2011 with this career milestone is an unbelievable feeling. It makes me so energized to get this year kicked into gear.

Going to the GRAMMYs as a nominee for the first time will be something I remember for the rest of my life. I truly can't wait for Feb. 13.

Come back to GRAMMY.com tomorrow as we hear from first-time GRAMMY nominee Skylar Grey. Tune in to the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Meanwhile,

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