Entertainer of the Year
Should win:
- Blake Shelton – AD
- Luke Bryan
- George Strait
- Miranda Lambert – MM, LS
- Keith Urban
Will win:
- Blake Shelton
- Luke Bryan – MM, AD, LS
- George Strait
- Miranda Lambert
- Keith Urban
Markus: I suppose I’ll go with Miranda for as my pick, she released quality music and had huge success (though gun to head I’d probably say I prefer Keith’s output). Still, Luke has this one in the bag. He was the biggest thing in country music by a landslide this past year, and one of the biggest stars in all of music. Oh, and by the way, I love George but that spot should have gone to Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean or even Eric Church instead.
Laura: In addition to a fantastic album release, Miranda’s had everything from the Hall of Fame exhibit to doing a killer job of representing country at multi-genre awards shows to designing shoes! Luke Bryan’s hit the road (and the arena floor) hard this year, and breaking attendance records at places like Soldier Field will likely earn him the crown jewel of the awards.
Annie: Luke is always a strong candidate for these, and with the charming way he keeps falling offstage he’s clinched the title again this year. All jokes aside, he’s had a good year. However, in terms of the instrumental role he’s had in bringing country to a larger market, I think Blake’s music, role on The Voice, and public persona make him a strong candidate this year.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Should win:
- Dierks Bentley – MM
- Luke Bryan
- Blake Shelton
- Eric Church – AD
- Keith Urban — LS
Will win:
- Dierks Bentley – LS
- Luke Bryan
- Blake Shelton – MM, AD
- Eric Church
- Keith Urban
Markus: Dierks should win. He’s put out the best music this year of any mainstream artist in my opinion, though Keith and Eric have also put out some fantastic stuff. I do believe this is where they reward Shelton though.
Laura: Keith Urban has an amazing range and vocal flexibility. He’s also long overdue for an individual CMA award. He won vocal event of the year in 2009 with Brad Paisley for “Start a Band”, but his last Male Vocalist win was in 2006. In a lot of ways, Blake Shelton and Dierks Bentley stray the least (out of this group) from a “classic country” sound, and so they are likely to be popular candidates to CMA voters. I’m going to go out on a limb though, and say Dierks’ 5 nominations are an indication that he has the edge this year.
Annie: I think Eric Church had an incredible year, but Blake’s releases have shown a versatility that will clinch this for him.
Album of the Year
Should win:
- Luke Bryan: Crash My Party
- Keith Urban: Fuse
- Miranda Lambert: Platinum – LS, AD
- Dierks Bentley: Riser – MM
- Eric Church: The Outsiders
Will win:
- Luke Bryan: Crash My Party – MM, LS, AD
- Keith Urban: Fuse
- Miranda Lambert: Platinum
- Dierks Bentley: Riser
- Eric Church: The Outsiders
Markus: Luke’s is the only one of these that doesn’t completely kick ass. It will also probably win. Not that I hate or even dislike Luke’s album, but it’s not even in the same class as the other four. On another note, Dierks should win, it’s my favorite album in years and would be the runaway winner if it was up to me.
Laura: I haven’t taken Platinum out of my car since I cracked that baby out of the package in June (Yes, I’m one of the few who still buys CDs). Riser really tugs at the ole heartstrings, and is equally deserving. However, at a time when album sales are dwindling, Crash My Party had impressive commercial success, and so I predict that Luke will take home the award.
Annie: It’s hard to choose, because all of these albums were so solid. Eric Church is always such a force… as is Dierks, as is Miranda, as is Keith… which makes it hard. As one of the few women making headlines in country right now, I’m partial to Miranda’s for this one, but it was a strong year for sure.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Should win:
- Miranda Lambert – MM, AD
- Kacey Musgraves
- Taylor Swift
- Carrie Underwood- LS
- Martina McBride
Will win:
- Miranda Lambert – MM, LS, AD
- Kacey Musgraves
- Taylor Swift
- Carrie Underwood
- Martina McBride
Markus: I love Kacey, and was seriously considering picking her in this one, but I have to go with Miranda who released an awesome album, while also being commercially successful. Oh, and she’s got this on lock. Near guaranteed 5th in a row.
Laura: I’m slightly biased with my “should win” pick for this category, because Carrie Underwood is my all-time favorite vocalist. That being said, she contributed to a number of projects this year that showcased the depth of her vocal ability, including tracks on Miranda, Brad, and the Swon Brother’s albums. Also, comments about the acting aside, her vocals on the three-hour live performance of the Sound of Music were flawless and showcased her versatility. However, four-time-consecutive winner Miranda Lambert delivered such a solid performance on Platinum, that she likely will take home the hardware.
Annie: This was Miranda’s year for sure. And while Kacey batted strong at the Grammys, “Somethin’ Bad” cleaned up this year, and Platinum was an all-around success.
Vocal Group of the Year:
Should win:
- Eli Young Band – MM
- Lady Antebellum – LS
- Little Big Town
- The Band Perry
- Zac Brown Band – AD
Will win:
- Eli Young Band
- Lady Antebellum – MM, LS, AD
- Little Big Town
- The Band Perry
- Zac Brown Band
Markus: Tough call. I do think Lady A will return to their winning ways here after the success of “Compass” and “Bartender” in the end. As for my personal pick, came down to “All Alright” (ZBB) vs “Dust” (EYB). Seeing as “Dust” is my favorite single of the year thus far, I shall go with Eli Young Band.
Laura: I hate to see Little Big Town relinquish their title, but Lady Antebellum’s Take Me Downtown tour has covered a lot of ground this year and they deserve the accolade. Also, “Bartender” was a strong release, which has helped them keep up the momentum they gained off of “Golden” last year.
Annie: I can’t ever keep from hoping the Zac Brown Band will win. Their harmonies are so strong, and I absolutely loved The Grohl Sessions. But Lady Antebellum’s “Bartender” was a release off upcoming 747, and the superstars have made sure to stay on everyone’s mind this year.
Song of the Year
Should win:
- “Automatic,” Miranda Lambert
- “Follow Your Arrow,” Kacey Musgraves – MM
- “Give Me Back My Hometown,” Eric Church -LS, AD
- “I Don’t Dance,” Lee Brice
- “I Hold On,” Dierks Bentley
Will win:
- “Automatic,” Miranda Lambert – MM
- “Follow Your Arrow,” Kacey Musgraves
- “Give Me Back My Hometown,” Eric Church – AD
- “I Don’t Dance,” Lee Brice
- “I Hold On,” Dierks Bentley – LS
Markus: A truly brilliant group of songs. Nice to see “Follow Your Arrow” and “I Don’t Dance” being rewarded. CMA’s love Lambert so I’m thinking “Automatic” here, despite it probably being the weakest of the 5.
Laura: Both “Give Me Back My Hometown” and “Automatic” played in my head on repeat the first month that I heard them. They’re both so poignant, but in such different ways, so I’d love to see one of the two of them win. Lyrically, though, “I Hold On,” and its mention of “faith, love, and freedom” has a strong broad appeal, which I think will earn Brett James and Dierks the win.
Annie: This was such a tough pick. “Follow Your Arrow” is an incredible song, while “I Don’t Dance” was a ballad perfect for Brice that has captivated since day 1. “I Hold On” was obviously a great track as well. But “Hometown” captures nostalgia in such a simple, beautiful way, and Church’s performance will bring it home.
Music Video of the Year
Should win:
- “Automatic,” Miranda Lambert
- “Bartender,” Lady Antebellum
- “Drunk on a Plane,” Dierks Bentley
- “Follow Your Arrow,” Kacey Musgraves
- “Something Bad,” Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood – MM, LS, AD
Will win:
- “Automatic,” Miranda Lambert
- “Bartender,” Lady Antebellum
- “Drunk on a Plane,” Dierks Bentley
- “Follow Your Arrow,” Kacey Musgraves
- “Something Bad,” Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood – MM, LS, AD
Markus: To be completely honest, I could not care any less about this category. However, I shall still make predictions. I still don’t care for the song itself, but the video for “Somethin’ Bad” is very good. That’s where I’ll put my vote, with “Drunk on a Plane” coming in at a close second.
Laura: I loved the James Bond feel of the “Somethin’ Bad.” The video spun the storyline creatively and was extremely polished.
Annie: There is no beating two of the modern queens of country doing devious.
Musician of the Year
Should win:
- Sam Bush, Mandolin
- Jerry Douglas, Dobro
- Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar – MM, LS
- Dann Huff, Guitar
- Mac McAnally, Guitar
Will win:
- Sam Bush, Mandolin
- Jerry Douglas, Dobro
- Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar – MM, LS
- Dann Huff, Guitar
- Mac McAnally, Guitar
Markus: I’m not going to pretend I know very much about any of these candidates so I’ll just put my pick with Paul Franklin who helped with the brilliant Bakersfield album.
Laura: Like Markus, I’m not too well-versed on this category. However, I would ditto the Paul Franklin selection–I loved his steel guitar contribution to Hunter Hayes’ album, Storyline.
Annie: I’m going to have to abstain here. Can I just write in whoever did the drums on Storyline? They’re so crisp and punchy and I’m obsessed.
New Artist of the Year
Should win:
- Brandy Clark – MM
- Brett Eldredge – LS, AD
- Kip Moore
- Thomas Rhett
- Cole Swindell
Will win:
- Brandy Clark
- Brett Eldredge – MM, LS
- Kip Moore
- Thomas Rhett
- Cole Swindell – AD
Markus: Kip Moore is my personal favorite, however he has done nothing to warrant being nominated here. I’ll go with Brandy Clark, whose nomination is the best about this entire show. I think Eldredge will win and here’s why: Clark’s a little known indie artist, Moore was inactive, and Rhett’s/Swindell’s bro material may prove polarizing, thus leaving Eldredge for the win.
Laura: Of all these artists, Kip Moore and Brett Eldredge have been the most “on the radar.” For no other reason than a gut feeling, I think Brett will take the win, though.
Annie: This is tough, since so many of these artists already have made quite the name for themselves this year. I’d love to see it go to Brett, who can rock soulful and catchy, or Kip, whose gravelly voice captivates, or of course Brandy, who’s the force behind half of current country anyway. But the same way that I think Luke will take album, I think Cole will end up being the favorite here.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Should win:
- Dan + Shay
- Florida Georgia Line – MM, LS, AD
- Love and Theft
- The Swon Brothers
- Thompson Square
Will win:
- Dan + Shay
- Florida Georgia Line – MM, LS
- Love and Theft
- The Swon Brothers
- Thompson Square
Markus: No contest. FGL will win and rightfully so.
Laura: Florida Georgia Line played ballpark stadiums with Nelly this summer…it’s hard to top that, and their competitors haven’t this year.
Annie: If “Dirt” wasn’t out during the voting season this year, it’s going to ensure that FGL sweep next year for sure. Even so, they’ve managed to take “Cruise” success and maintain their status at the top, which is impressive and will earn them a well deserved win.
Single of the Year
Should win:
- “Automatic,” Miranda Lambert
- “Drunk on a Plane,” Dierks Bentley – MM
- “Give Me Back My Hometown,” Eric Church – AD
- “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s,” Tim McGraw & Faith Hill – LS
- “Mine Would be You,” Blake Shelton
Will win:
- “Automatic,” Miranda Lambert
- “Drunk on a Plane,” Dierks Bentley
- “Give Me Back My Hometown,” Eric Church
- “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s,” Tim McGraw & Faith Hill – MM, AD
- “Mine Would be You,” Blake Shelton – LS
Markus: A fine group of nominees. Can’t go wrong with any of them. “Drunk on a Plane” is not only a great song, but also a nearly platinum multi-week #1. However, I think they’ll reward traditional country and go with Tim & Faith (which I am totally fine with for the record.)
Laura: This category is interesting, because, with the exception in Pontoon in 2012, this winner of this category has had broad cross-over appeal in the past few years. “Cruise” won in 2013, “If I Die Young” in 2012, “Need You Now” in 2010, and “Run to You” in 2009. “Mine Would Be You” reached #28 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Drunk On a Plane” just beat it out, peaking at #27. It’ll likely be a close race between those two, but I think Blake Shelton will squeeze out the win.
Annie: Could, but won’t, go on about “Hometown.” But I think Tim and Faith will wrap this one.
Musical Event of the Year
Should win:
- “Bakersfield,” Vince Gill & Paul Franklin
- “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s,” Tim McGraw & Faith Hill – AD
- “Something Bad” Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood – LS
- “We Were Us,” Keith Urban & Miranda Lambert
- “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton – MM
Will win:
- “Bakersfield,” Vince Gill & Paul Franklin
- “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s,” Tim McGraw & Faith Hill – MM, AD
- “Something Bad” Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood – LS
- “We Were Us,” Keith Urban & Miranda Lambert
- “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
Markus: Another excellent group “Somethin’ Bad” aside. The Bakersfield album is probably my favorite of the bunch, but I’ll choose Kenny and Dolly just because of how awesome it would be for those two to win an award. I think this goes to Tim though.
Laura: An impressive group–that’s for sure. Miranda and Carrie are queens of the genre, at the moment, and there was A LOT of hype around their performances of the song at the Billboards, CMT Awards, etc.
Annie: Thinking Tim and Faith could sweep here, and while this again is a hard category, it’d be well deserved.