Rising country star Priscilla Block was eagerly awaiting the release of her new album Welcome to the Block Party when she received career-changing news: she had been nominated for ACM New Female Artist of the Year.

Block was in Las Vegas at the time for her live concert to couple with her new album, and she woke up to a flood of messages on her phone.

“I see texts on my phone…I’m not looking at the texts,” she tells Taste of Country. “I don’t want to spoil anything…what if they’re saying sorry next time we still love you, or they’re saying holy crap congratulations.”

Luckily, they were texts of joy, but it wouldn’t sink in until Block found the nominees post on Instagram. Then, the emotion of the moment set in.

“It took a second,” Block shares. “It felt so unreal, I’m like, 'Oh my goodness, what is this?' And then five minutes later I’m like [crying].”

Block was nominated alongside Lily Rose, Lainey Wilson, Caitlyn Smith and Tenille Arts, and New Female Artist of the Year went to Lainey Wilson in an early win announced on Friday (March 4).

During the interview with Taste of Country, Block recalled the moments after she learned of her nomination.

“I cried all day long — I’m still crying,” she adds. “Especially going into the album release that night, such a whirlwind of a day of all the emotions.”

From TikTok sensation to a major label artist, Block is entering the new year with big things ahead. The singer’s 12-track album dropped on Feb. 11, an album that sprinkles authenticity of what Block has been through in her life throughout.

“I tell people it’s sassy, trashy and sad,” she tells Taste of Country. “It’s like a girl trying to get through life, that’s kinda the vibe of this album. You’ve got your heartbreak songs, your party songs, your sad girl songs…the emotions of getting through your 20s, 30s, whatever it is.”

The 2022 ACM Awards are set to air on March 7 at 8PM ET from Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium. The broadcast will be available via streaming on Amazon Prime instead of airing live on a TV network for the first time in its history. The two-hour program will air with no commercial breaks, but follow its usual pattern of performances and awards.

Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett will join Dolly Parton as hosts of the ACMs in 2022.

Remember: The best way to watch the 2022 ACMs is on TV, with ToC on your phone!

2021 ACM Red Carpet Pictures

The best dressed on the 2021 ACM Awards red carpet brought color — lots of color — for an awards show that promises to be a celebration. Photos show stars like Carly Pearce, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Young, Kane Brown and more wearing the hottest and often most expensive designer outfits, or suits they designed themselves, in the case of Jimmie Allen.

Check out a full gallery of country music's hottest stars on the ACM Awards red carpet. Who do you think is best dressed and worst dressed?

The 2021 ACM Awards took place at the Bluebird Cafe, Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Sunday (April 18).

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