CMA Awards – My Predictions

Country Music's biggest night is Wednesday night.  To win a CMA Award is still a huge deal for a country music artist.  Many of the biggest stars in the industry haven't won a CMA.  There is zero doubt that politics can play a role.  Toby Keith still is one of the biggest stars in Country music.  In a 3 year span he went 0- 24 in his nominations.  Despite being the number one ticket seller, having a number 1 album, and spending multiple weeks at #1 on the charts.  But for better or worse, this is still the award standard for the country music industry.

Below is your entire list of nominees.  I will choose who I think WILL win.  Play along with me, and see if you agree on my choices and predictions.  ( An * will be next to who WILL win)

Entertainer of the Year
Eric Church
Luke Combs *
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood

Carrie should have won this award 2 years ago, but I think Luke Combs finally walks with the trophy.

Single of the Year
“Famous Friends,” Chris Young with Kane Brown
“The Good Ones,” Gabby Barrett  *
“Hell of a View,” Eric Church
“One Night Standards,” Ashley McBryde
“Starting Over,” Chris Stapleton

Playing a hunch with this one.  Gabby Barrett had a huge year with this song. Famous Friends was also a huge songs.  Either one could win.

Album of the Year
29, Carly Pearce
Dangerous: The Double Album, Morgan Wallen
Heart, Eric Church
Skeletons, Brothers Osborne
Starting Over, Chris Stapleton *

Chris has been a CMA darling for a while, and I think he get this win.

Song of the Year
“Forever After All,” recorded by Luke Combs
“The Good Ones,” recorded by Gabby Barrett *
“Hell of a View,” recorded by Eric Church
“One Night Standards,” recorded by Ashley McBryde
“Starting Over,” recorded by Chris Stapleton

Really tough category.  All are worthy.  I could see ANY of them winning.

Female Vocalist of the Year
Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce *

Another tough category, All are deserving and Maren could win again.  I think Carly could be the new darling of the CMA's

Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Combs *
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

Would not be surprised if Chris wins this, but I still think Luke Combs is the man to beat

Vocal Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion *
Zac Brown Band

Still a band that is at the top of their game right now.

Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay *
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

Would love to see Maddie and Tae win this, but I still think it's Dan & Shay's to lose

Musical Event of the Year
“Buy Dirt,” Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan
“Chasing After You,” Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris
“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Elle King and Miranda Lambert
“Famous Friends,” Chris Young with Kane Brown  *
“Half of My Hometown,” Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)

Nice to see Kane Brown finally winning a CMA

Musician of the Year
Jenee Fleenor, fiddle
Paul Franklin, steel guitar
Aaron Sterling, drums
Ilya Toshinskiy, banjo
Derek Wells, guitar  *

Music Video of the Year
“Chasing After You,” Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris
“Famous Friends,” Chris Young with Kane Brown *
“Gone,” Dierks Bentley
“Half of My Hometown,” Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
“Younger Me,” Brothers Osborne

New Artist of the Year
Jimmie Allen *
Ingrid Andress
Gabby Barrett
Mickey Guyton
Hardy

Could also go to Gabby Barrett.  But I think Jimmie takes it.

So those are my predictions.  Who do you think will win in each category? Share your thoughts and enjoy the show.