The Academy of Country Music has made changes to their awards categories, including increasing the number of Entertainer of the Year nominees from five to eight.

The new female artist and new male artist categories will be combined into one award. Also, Vocal Duo or Group will be split into two categories:

“The Academy has always been responsive to the industry and our board felt these changes reflect what is happening in country music,” said Bob Romeo, Executive Director of the Academy of Country Music. “The proliferation of duos and groups over the past several years is impossible to deny. With these changes, we look forward to bringing even more super star artists and new talent to the forefront in 2010.”

Entertainer of the Year will continue to be voted on by fans (Chesney famously criticized the fan voting in 2008). Also being voted on by fans this year is Top New Solo Vocalis, Top New Vocal Duo, and Top New Vocal Group.