Jason Aldean, top new male artist nominee by the Academy of Country Music Awards, is now in Las Vegas, ready to attend the awards ceremony Tuesday night.

Surprisingly, this is not his first time in Las Vegas, nor his first time at the entrance of the ACM awards. Last year, Aldean was there for the awards show, but was not able to get in. He didn’t have a ticket for the event, so he had to stay out. The show was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, so the artist made the most of his visit by hanging out at the bar and trying his luck at the blackjack tables.

This year, Aldean’s timetable in Las Vegas looks quite different. He might have no time for drinks and blackjack games, but he will surely be present at the ceremony from the inside this time. The show will take place at the MGM Grand.

Jason Aldean was nominated for the top new male artist award, competing with Billy Currington and Craig Morgan in this category. Besides, he owns the number one country song at present, “Why”, in Billboard magazine’s singles charts.

Aldean has much more at stake this year, and may also win far more than in 2005 at the blackjack tables.