This Wednesday, November 6, is one of Country Music’s biggest nights. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will host the 46th Annual Country Music Association Awards live from Bridgestone Arena in downtown Music City, This year’s categories are as tough as ever to predict, but I’m going to put on my thinking cap over the next two days, and give you my thoughts on some of the top categories. Let’s take a look…..
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves
Prognosis: A tough and talented field this year that likely comes down to the critical acclaim of Musgraves and the sales and airplay success of Florida Georgia Line. In this case, the numbers don’t – and won’t lie.
WHO WILL WIN: Florida Georgia Line
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: San Bush, Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Brent Mason, Mac McAnally
Prognosis: All five of these men are very deserving of this honor. I would love to see Paul Franklin get some well-deserved attention in this category. But, I look for one of the most legendary pickers in town to walk away with this one.
WHO WILL WIN: Sam Bush
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR: “Boys ‘Round Here,” Blake Shelton featuring The Pistol Annies / “Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line & Nelly / “Don’t Rush,” Kelly Clarkson & Vince Gill / “Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban / “The Only Way I Know,” Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan & Eric Church
PROGNOSIS: I think this one has to come down to the pair of collaborations that feature three million-selling superstars. Flip a coin on this one, as I think it’s very close.
WHO WILL WIN: Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR: Big & Rich, Florida Georgia Line, Love & Theft, Sugarland, The Civil Wars, Thompson Square
Prognosis: Thompson Square surprised many with their win last year here, and they definitely are capable of another triumph, but look for one of the biggest phenomenons in Country Music to “Cruise” to victory.
WHO WILL WIN: Florida Georgia Line
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR: Eli Young Band, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, The Band Perry, The Zac Brown Band
Prognosis: Little Big Town has been on a roll the past year and a half in this category at the different award shows, and I look for them to “Bring It On Home” once again.
WHO WILL WIN: Little Big Town