The 49th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards are practically upon us. With seven days left, it's time to break out the thinking caps to make predictions for this year's list of winners. With the continued saturation of bro-country on radio, the likes of Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan will most likely walk away with the most trophies, but could we witness a few upsets?
The ACM Awards go live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 6. Blake Shelton and Bryan return for the second year to co-host the three-hour live event.
Let's break it down:
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Bryan
Miranda Lambert
Blake Shelton
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Should Win: George Strait
Will Win: Luke Bryan
I would love to see tradition win out here, especially as George is finishing up his touring career this year. Luke's fans are really strong, but the weight of fan voting has never been revealed. The industry should give George a proper send off with this one.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Lee Brice
Luke Bryan
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban
Should Win: Luke Bryan
Will Win: Blake Shelton
You can't deny the massive success Luke has had the past year. At this point, he is far outpacing Blake in the sales department, but the power couple and political voting will most likely give Mister Shelton another win.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Sheryl Crow
Miranda Lambert
Kacey Musgraves
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Should Win: Carrie Underwood
Will Win: Miranda Lambert
Carrie is far overdue for another win in this category. While I do quite enjoy Miranda's work, Carrie had a massive year, with her stint as the face of Sunday Night Football, the massive ratings her Sound of Music drew and yet more No. 1 singles. With that said, this is Miranda's to lose. Kacey, coming off two Grammy wins, could be the dark horse here (and I wouldn't be upset).
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Love and Theft
Thompson Square
Should Win: Florida Georgia Line
Will Win: Florida Georgia Line
Yes. No one else stands a chance.
Vocal Group of the Year
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Should Win: Little Big Town
Will Win: Little Big Town
Artistically, Little Big Town is the front runner; their Tornado set is still one of the finest mainstream records in recent memory. The only real competition is The Band Perry, who has also demonstrated interesting choices on their Pioneer record. It comes down to these two.
Album of the Year
Based On a True Story – Blake Shelton
Crash My Party – Luke Bryan
Here's To The Good Times – Florida Georgia Line
Same Trailer Different Park – Kacey Musgraves
Two Lanes of Freedom – Tim McGraw
Should Win: Kacey Musgraves
Will Win: Blake Shelton
Blake won this award at the CMAs last fall, and pending an upset, this is his. Although, Kacey's Grammy win could sway even more votes her way. I would love to see a female come out on top amidst so many bros.
Single Record of the Year
"Cruise" – Florida Georgia Line
"Highway Don't Care" – Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
"I Drive Your Truck" – Lee Brice
"Mama's Broken Heart" – Miranda Lambert
"Wagon Wheel" – Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
Should Win: Miranda Lambert's "Mama's Broken Heart"
Will Win: Florida Georgia Line's "Cruise"
"Cruise" is basically unstoppable. Hopefully, this means it'll finally go away forever.
Song of the Year
"Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)" – Gary Allen
"I Drive Your Truck – Lee Brice
"Mama's Broken Heart" – Miranda Lambert
"Mine Would Be You" – Blake Shelton
"Wagon Wheel" – Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
Should Win: "I Drive Your Truck" by Lee Brice
Will Win: "I Drive Your Truck" by Lee Brice
No other song deserves the win more than "I Drive Your Truck," an emotional sucker punch to the stomach. Voters sure do love those well-written tear jerkers.
Video of the Year
"Better Dig Two" – The Band Perry
"Blowin' Smoke" – Kacey Musgraves
"Highway Don't Care" – Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
"I Drive Your Truck" – Lee Brice
"Mama's Broken Heart" – Miranda Lambert
"Two Black Cadillacs" – Carrie Underwood
Should Win: "Two Black Cadillacs" by Carrie Underwood
Will Win: "Highway Don't Care" by Tim McGraw, featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
Carrie's "Two Black Cadillacs" is by far the most artistic and bold of the bunch. If she doesn't win elsewhere, this would be a nice nod to a criminally underrated song. But, the starpower of Swift, McGraw and Urban might be too much for voters to ignore.
Vocal Event of the Year
"Boys 'Round Here" – Blake Shelton Featuring Pistol Annies & Friends
"Cruise (Remix)" – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Nelly
"Highway Don't Care" – Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
"Wagon Wheel" – Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
"We Were Us" – Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert
Should Win: "We Were Us" by Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert
Will Win: "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line, featuring Nelly
"Cruise," again, but will the Academy really give a country award to Nelly? Possibly.
Best New Artist
Justin Moore
Kip Moore
Brett Eldredge
Should Win: Kip Moore
Will Win: Justin Moore.
Justin isn't new; well, none of these guys are particularly "new." Artistically, Kip is by far the most interesting, and his win would be one for quality. That's not to take away from Justin and Brett–as they've both released some good music over the years…just not now.
What are your ACM Awards predictions? Feel free to email me to keep the conversation going!
