(SMM) The ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Top 5 finalists were announced this week, and Ricky Skaggs secured nominations in five categories: Legend/Pioneer Award, Entertainer, Inspirational Country Song ("Someday Soon"), Musician and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist. For Skaggs, who has previously won several ICM Awards, this year's nominations are particularly sweet.
"I'm very grateful to the ICM for all the nominations," says Skaggs. "When I started playin' and singin', they didn't have award shows like they do now, so I've never been driven to win them. I just love the music and I love the fact that God uses music to speak to people's hearts. That's what I'm in it for, to be a messenger of His Love." The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards will be held on Friday, October 28 at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Ricky has been honored with the following ICM Awards: Musician of the Year, Christian Country Music Association - 1994, 1995, Musician of the Year - 2008, Inspirational Bluegrass Artist (with The Whites) - 2008, Mainstream Country Artist (with The Whites) - 2008, Mainstream Country Artist - 2009 and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist - 2010.