Yesterday, we took a look at some of the nominees for the 46th Annual Country Music Association Awards. As we continue our preview of Wednesday night’s show, let’s take a look at four more of the categories and give you our thoughts on who might take home the top prizes….
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR – “Blown Away,” Carrie Underwood / “Boys ‘Round Here,” Blake Shelton featuring The Pistol Annies / “Downtown,” Lady Antebellum / “Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban / “Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert / “Tornado,” Little Big Town
Prognosis: Actually, this could go to either of the six nominations, but I look for this trophy to go to one of the format’s dominant female vocalists who has been absent from the winners’ circle for awhile.
WHO WILL WIN: Carrie Underwood
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Based On A True Story / Blake Shelton, Blown Away / Carrie Underwood, Red / Taylor Swift, Same Trailer, Different Park / Kacey Musgraves, Tornado / Little Big Town
Prognosis: Tough, very tough. You’ve got the biggest selling album of the past year in Red, superstar projects from Shelton and Underwood, a stellar disc from Little Big Town, and a debut disc from a female artist that has Nashville buzzing like few others. I feel an upset coming on!
WHO WILL WIN: Kacey Musgraves
SONG OF THE YEAR: “I Drive Your Truck,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington & Jimmy Yeary / “Mama’s Broken Heart,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves / “Merry ‘Go Round,” Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, & Josh Osborne / “Pontoon,” Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, & Luke Laird / “Wagon Wheel,” Bob Dylan & Ketch Secor
PROGNOSIS: Some critics would love it if Bob Dylan scored a win with his very first nomination, and it very well could happen, but Kacey Musgraves has had a strong year – and even with two nominations, look for her to take this one!
WHO WILL WIN: Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne
SINGLE OF THE YEAR: “Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line / “Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift & Keith Urban / “Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert / “Merry ‘Go Round,” Kacey Musgraves / “Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker
PROGNOSIS: On first view, it looks to be tough, but I actually think this is easier than you might think. Each nominee was a huge hit – but Musgraves has been the belle of the ball this year, and I think it could very well be her night.
WHO WILL WIN: Kacey Musgraves
For my predictions on the Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year categories, visit www.Billboard.com/articles/columns/the-615