Tonight is the biggest night in country music--the CMAs! Who's winning big? Who's getting snubbed? Who are we going to be talking about tomorrow? All of that is soon to come. Right now, all we can do is make predictions, and that is exactly what I shall do. I'll go through the major categories and give my opinion on who I'd like to see win it (not who I think is going to win). And the winners are...
Entertainer Of The Year
-Eric Church
-Luke Combs
-Miranda Lambert
-Chris Stapleton
-Carrie Underwood
This is going to be a close one. All of them had great years. We just had Luke Combs break an attendance record at the United Center, so clearly he's got it going this year. Chris Stapleton put on great shows and Think You Should Leave is my personal favorite song on US99 right now. But, I want this to be Miranda's year. Bluebird is my jam. She's been on fire. This is the year she finally fills that empty space on her very full mantle.
Pick: Miranda Lambert
Female Vocalist Of The Year
-Gabby Barrett
-Miranda Lambert
-Ashley McBryde
-Maren Morris
-Carly Pearce
In football, I never understood how a player could win MVP, the highest individual honor in the sport, but not win Offensive Player of the year. It baffles me. I also don't understand how I could have Miranda Lambert win Entertainer of the Year but not win Female Vocalist. She's won the award more than anyone, and if I'm a betting man I like that pattern.
Pick: Miranda Lambert
Male Vocalist Of The Year
-Dierks Bentley
-Eric Church
-Luke Combs
-Thomas Rhett
-Chris Stapleton
This is a solid list of dudes. I enjoy listening to them all. But when you hear vocalist how do you not think of Chris Stapleton? His voice is velvet. Give him the trophy.
Pick: Chris Stapleton
Okay, we've all got places to be. Let's just cut to the picks. That cool?
Vocal Group Of The Year: Old Dominion
Vocal Duo Of The Year: Dan + Shay
New Artist Of The Year: Hardy
Album Of The Year: Starting Over by Christ Stapleton
Single Of The Year: Famous Friends by Chris Young and Kane Brown
Song Of The Year: Hell Of A View by Eric Church
Musical Event Of The Year: Chasing After You by Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris