Thompson Square

After a mini-holiday, the Showdown returns today and tonight on Taste of Country Nights radio, with reigning champion Thompson Square well-rested to take a high-powered challenger. Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill's duet of 'Don't Rush' is up against 'If I Didn't Have You,' the latest from the husband-wife duo.

The five nominees for the 2012 CMA New Artist of the Year award reached their current levels of fame in very different ways. Thompson Square might be the only true "new artist," meaning an act that was previously unheard of before releasing a smash debut album. The others are no less deserving, however. This is an interesting category that will be fun to watch on Nov. 1. Who do you think

Country music fans can steal a peek inside the life, tour bus and bedroom of ACM award-nominated duo Thompson Square in this fast-paced video just released on the married couple’s YouTube page. ‘Sh-t Thompson Square Says’ (despite the title, it’s safe for work) is a play on the title of a book, William Shatner television show and internet trend.

The first round of fan voting will begin Monday (Jan. 16) at 9AM ET and will end Monday, Jan. 30 at Noon ET. Fans can cast their votes for their favorite new artist at VoteACM.com and GACTV.com/ACM.

Well wishes for a speedy recovery to the father of Thompson Square‘s Shawna Thompson, who had surgery this week. Shawna informed fans that he was heading into the hospital the night prior to his surgery, asking them to keep him in mind.