The Grammys are often the toughest for me to predict. Grammy Voters encompass many genres of music, so most people don't know a whole lot about the nominees, and it often is a matter of name recognition when it comes to who they vote for.
I'll do my best, though. Here are my predictions in the Country Music Categories.
While not a Country-only category, I really think that Carrie Underwood will take home the Best New Artist Grammy. I don't know much about the other nominees, but Carrie has sold over 5 million copies of her debut album, plus, winning American Idol helped with name recognition, so I'm going to say she'll take this award home.
In the Female Country Category, we have Miranda Lambert. Miranda debut album is nearing the Platinum certification. Martina McBride is picking up steam, after having released a critically acclaimed album, Timeless, which didn't have much chart success with its singles. LeAnn Rimes hasn't had all that much success on the charts this year, but has Grammy wins in the past. Carrie Underwood has major name recognition across all genres, and had a huge year with three No. 1 singles, and as mentioned before 5 million in sales of her debut album. Gretchen Wilson is on the verge of releasing her third album.
Who do I want to win? I'd love to see Martina win here.
Who will win? Carrie will take home the award.
In the Male Country Category, we have Dierks Bentley. Dierks is really making a name for himself as one of the hardest working artists on the road. His third album has gone well, and the first single from this album just went to No. 1. Vince Gill is a huge Grammy favorite. His latest album, These Days a four CD box set went Platinum, and debuted at No. 4. George Strait is nominated here. A Country staple, the man holds the record for the most No. 1 singles, 53, yet has never won a Grammy. Josh Turner has really picked up steam in his career, with back-to-back Platinum albums, and had two No. 1 songs last year. Keith Urban won this category last year, and is nominated once more. His latest album has gone Platinum.
Who do I want to win? I'd like to see Josh Turner win.
Who will win? With 17 previous wins under his belt, I think it's a safe bet to go with Vince Gill. However, Keith Urban may pull an upset, as he's been in the news for his wedding to Nicole Kidman, and recent stint in rehab. I still think Vince will take it, but wouldn't be too surprised if Keith repeated.
In the Duo/Group Country Category, we have the Dixie Chicks, who couldn't get an invitation to any country event. They're actually the most nominated Country act, even though they've tried to distance themselves from the Country genre that turned its back on them. Alt-Country act, The Duhks are nominated here. Rising stars Little Big Town have really had a good year in 2006, with successful touring, and a nearly Platinum album under their belt. Rascal Flatts were the biggest selling group in any genre last year. The Wreckers earn a nod here. Both The Wreckers and The Duhks are what I would call extreme longshots to win this category.
Who do I want to win? Gotta go with Little Big Town.
Who will win? It's between the Dixie Chicks and Rascal Flatts. I'm gonna go with previous Grammy win history and say that the Dixie Chicks will win.
In the Country Collaboration Category, we have Bon Jovi with Jennifer Nettles. This song did great, giving Bon Jovi their first No. 1 Country hit. Solomon Burke and Dolly Parton are nominated, and Dolly is a big favorite, having seven previous wins. Kenny Rogers and Don Henley team up with a track from Kenny's album. I haven't heard this before, as it hasn't been a single. Rhonda Vincent and Bobby Osborne also are nominated, although I wonder why they aren't in the bluegrass section. Or, maybe there's not a bluegrass section? The final nomination goes to Garth and Trisha for a song from Trisha's Jasper County album.
Who do I want to win? Ok, I wouldn't be the Garth fan that I am if I didn't say I want Garth and Trisha to win.
Who will win? I'm thinking that Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles will take this.
in the Country Instrumental Category, I haven't heard of any of these songs, and many of the artists, unfortunately. The person I'm most familiar with is Chris Thile. The other nominees are Casey Driessen, Tommy Emmanuel, Bryan Sutton & Doc Watson and Jim VanCleve.
Who do I want to win? I guess Chris Thile. I loved his stuff with Nickel Creek.
Who will win? Well, other than Chris Thile, who has won one Grammy with Nickel Creek, Bryan Sutton and Doc Watson are the only other nominees with previous wins. I'll go with Bryan Sutton & Doc Watson.
There are some great choices for the Country Song Category. "Every Mile a Memory" by Dierks Bentley is a former No. 1. While Gretchen Wilson's "I Don't Feel Like Loving You Today" peaked at No. 22, it is still a powerful song, with a great video, as well. "Jesus Take the Wheel" is not only nominated here in the Country category, but it's also nominated for the General Song of the Year category. That gives it a strong edge here. Alan Jackson's "Like Red on a Rose" may not be a No. 1 song, but it struck a chord with fans, and on the strength of that song, Alan's album of the same name earned a gold certification. The final song nominated is "What Hurts the Most" from Rascal Flatts. Another No. 1 song, not to mention Top 10 on Adult Contemporary charts.
Who do I want to win? I think it would be cool for Dierks to take this one.
Who will win? I think that "Jesus Take the Wheel" will win for the songwriters here.
For Country Album again we have the Dixie Chicks' Taking the Long Way, Alan Jackson's Like Red on a Rose, Little Big Town's The Road to Here, Willie Nelson's You Don't Know Me: The Songs Of Cindy Walker, and Josh Turner's Your Man. By record sales alone, the Dixie Chicks have this category in the bag. They've sold over 2 million copies of the album, while Josh Turner's Your Man has sold over 1 million.
Who do I want to win? Josh Turner.
Who will win? Alan Jackson. The Dixie Chicks may upset here, but I'm going with Alan Jackson.