(Photos courtesy of MCA Nashville/Valory Music Co./Warner Music Nashville)

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Kohl's have announced that finalists for the New Artist of the Year Award are Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett and Cole Sindell. Fans will vote for the winner.

The eight semi-finalists were voted on by both professional members and fans. The results have been tallied with Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell emerging as the finalists.

Both professional members and fans will again cast their votes for the winner in the category. Fan voting for the ACM New Artist of the Year award present by Kohl’s Department Stores will open Wednesday, April 8th starting at 3pm ET/12pm PT. Fan voting will close at 8pm ET/5pm PT Sunday, April 19th when the live ACM Awards Show telecast begins. Fans will again be able to go to VoteACM.com to cast their votes.

The winner of the award will be announced live on the 50th Annual ACM Awards Show (along with the other ACM award winners) which will be co-hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan. The show will be broadcast live from AT&T Stadium in Texas on CBS TV.

By: Buck Stevens