Gearing up for the CMA Awards feels a little like Christmas and a little like studying for a test. You know what you know, you know what you want and in a lot of cases, you probably know what’s going to happen. And with Miranda Lambert nominated for nine awards, it seems kind of certain that she will walk away with at least five or even all nine.
Do we go based on commercial success? Critical acclaim? My favorite song of the year?
Here’s my best shot at predicting this year’s winners, but maybe also who should win and who definitely will not win:
Album of the Year
Luke Bryan: Crash My Party
Keith Urban: Fuse
Miranda Lambert: Platinum
Dierks Bentley: Riser
Eric Church: The Outsiders
Who will win: Odds are on Miranda Lambert and Platinum. It boasts the critical and commercial acclaim. Luke Bryan could pull off the upset, but it’s doubtful.
Who should win: No knocks on Miranda, but if you’re looking at just a catalog of songs on an album, Dierks Bentley’s Riser should runaway with this one. It was sentimental, inspiring, sultry and a whole lot of fun.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Who will win: This one might be Miranda‘s to lose. But, Kacey Musgraves could sneak her way in.
Who should win: My heart wants this one for Kacey. She’s had a big year, toured with Katy Perry and Willie Nelson, and is currently headlining her own tour. She’s done a lot for country music.
You never know: If Taylor Swift is in a category, she always has a shot.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Eric Church
Luke Bryan
Keith Urban
Who will win: Flip a coin between Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan. Odds are a little more favorable for Blake though.
Who should win: 2014 has been quite the year for Dierks Bentley. He deserves it if anyone does.
Entertainer of the Year:
Luke Bryan
Blake Shelton
George Strait (83rd nomination)
Who will win: King George could easily walk away with this one.
Who should win: Miranda.
Vocal Group of the Year:
The Band Perry
Who will win: Who knows!
Who should win: Lady Antebellum or Little Big Town, with a really strong lean towards Little Big Town. There’s not a hotter name in the game right now.
New Artist of the Year:
Brandy Clark
Kip Moore
Cole Swindell
Who will win: Critical acclaim or commercial success? Odds are in Brandy Clark’s favor, but Thomas Rhett makes a really strong case.
Who should win: Brandy Clark. Even if she doesn’t win, her future is really bright.
Vocal Duo of the Year:
Dan + Shay
The Swon Brothers
Thompson Square
Who will win: Definitely Florida Georgia Line’s award to lose.
Who should win: The Swon Brothers have had a big year, could be fun to see the Brothers pull this one out.
Single of the Year (Award goes to artist and producer):
“Automatic,” Miranda Lambert
“Drunk on a Plane,” Dierks Bentley
“Give Me Back My Hometown,” Eric Church
“Meanwhile Back at Mama’s,” Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill
“Mine Would Be You,” Blake Shelton
Who will win: “Automatic,” is the likely winner here.
Who should win: Lyrically, “Give Me Back My Hometown,” for the most casual reference to Pizza Hut in a song ever.
Song of the Year (Award goes to songwriters):
“Automatic,” written by Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby and Miranda Lambert
“Follow Your Arrow,” written by Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally
“Give Me Back My Hometown,” written by Eric Church and Luke Laird
“I Don’t Dance,” written by Lee Brice, Rob Hatch, and Dallas Davidson
“I Hold On,” written by Brett James and Dierks Bentley
Who will win: “Follow Your Arrow,” is the favorite. If there are favorites.
Who should win: “Follow Your Arrow,” simply for delivering a message to country music that isn’t part of the norm.
Musical Event of the Year:
“Bakersfield,” Vince Gill and Paul Franklin
“Meanwhile Back at Mama’s,” Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
“Somethin’ Bad,” Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood
“We Were Us,” Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert
“You Can’t Make Old Friends,” Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
Who will win: “Somethin’ Bad” for so many reasons.
Who should win: “Somethin’ Bad,” because in this category– girls rule!
You never know: “Bakersfield” is absolutely incredible. It needs its own award.
Music Video of the Year:
“Automatic,” Miranda Lambert
“Bartender,” Lady Antebellum
“Drunk on a Plane,” Dierks Bentley
“Follow Your Arrow,” Kacey Musgraves
“Somethin’ Bad,” Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood
Who will win: “Follow Your Arrow” or “Somethin’ Bad.”
Who should win: “Follow Your Arrow,” is beautiful and funny and features a mini pony on a leash.
You never know: This is a category that features a mini movie starring Carrie and Miranda, an all-too-true account of flying featuring Dierks Bentley and a video with Kate Upton. There’s really no telling.
Image Source: CMA
