Eric Church heads into the 2012 CMA Awards with five nominations, including Male Vocalist of the Year. While he's excited -- and would be appreciative of any honor he can take back to his band -- the 'Creepin'' singer tells Taste of Country Nights host Jeremy Robinson awards are not what drives him. In fact, he finds the fast turn-around from one year ago a little bizarre.

"It's strange for me, because last year we were a new artist nominee," Church said during an interview from the CMA radio room in Nashville on Tuesday (Oct. 30) afternoon. "I think a lot of it is a testament to how strong the 'Chief' record has been, and what the record has meant to our career. A lot of it is 'Springsteen,' the song."

He adds, "We didn't change what we do to get those things."

Church admits that it took him longer than he expected to start racking up nominations and awards, but if he goes 0-5 at the 2012 CMA Awards, he'll be no different than if he goes 5-5. "Here's why I don't worry about that. Because I've been doing it awhile," the singer explains. "I can control two things. I can control the music that we make and the show that we play… I have no control, I mean none."

Listen to Taste of Country Nights radio all week for more interviews from the CMA Awards in Nashville. Jeremy Robinson will have stars lined up every hour during 7PM to midnight broadcast, which is available to hear on over 40 stations nationwide, as well as online. Other expected guests include Jason Aldean, Faith Hill, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker and many, many more.

More From 98.1 The Hawk