The 2008 ACM Awards will be held on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV at the MGM Grand Hotel. The show will be broadcast on CBS at 8:00 pm ET/PT. Be sure to watch.
This year, there are quite a few categories that are hard to predict, so I've got my work cut out for me. There's so much talent, but there can be only one winner, so read on to find out my thoughts on who will win in each category.
TOP MALE VOCALIST
- Rodney Atkins
- Kenny Chesney
- Brad Paisley
- George Strait
- Keith Urban
Rodney Atkins is a new nominee in this category. All the other nominees are previous winners. Brad Paisley is the reigning ACM Male Vocalist.
Who do I want to win? I'd love to see Rodnay Atkins win this year.
Who will win? I think honestly Brad Paisley will take home the hat again this year.
TOP FEMALE VOCALIST
- Miranda Lambert
- Martina McBride
- LeAnn Rimes
- Taylor Swift
- Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is the reigning ACM Female Vocalist. Taylor Swift gets her first nomination in this category. LeAnn has never won this award, while Martina has won it three times in a row.
Who do I want to win? I'd like to see Martina McBride win this again.
Who will win? I do believe that Carrie will win again in this category, only don't be suprised if Taylor Swift topples her. She is super popular right now, and the votes could go her way.
TOP VOCAL GROUP
- Diamond Rio
- Eagles
- Emerson Drive
- Little Big Town
- Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts is the reigning ACM Vocal Group, and have won this award for the past five years. The Eagles see their first nomination. All the others have been here before.
Who do I want to win? I'd love to see Little Big Town pull this one out!
Who will win? There is no denying the guys from Rascal Flatts.
TOP VOCAL DUO
- Big & Rich
- Brooks & Dunn
- Halfway To Hazard
- Montgomery Gentry
- Sugarland
Brooks and Dunn are the reigning ACM Vocal Duo of the Year. But, will they hang onto the title this year? Sugarland won the CMA Vocal Duo award last November. Could they take Kix & Ronnie's place at the ACM's as well?
Who do I want to win? I'd love to see Sugarland win. I love Brooks & Dunn, but I think it's time for someone new.
Who will win? I honestly think that Sugarland could very well take the award this year. Brooks & Dunn are still big stars with great music, but I think Sugarland has had some stronger music lately.
TOP NEW MALE VOCALIST
- Luke Bryan
- Jack Ingram
- Jake Owen
It's funny to see Jack Ingram in this category. He's been releasing albums for over a decade. But, just not on a national level until more recently. All three of these guys are strong competitors.
Who do I want to win? I think I'd like to see Jack Ingram take this. He's come a long way from being a more regional artist, and it would be very cool for him to get recognized.
Who will win? I think Luke Bryan may take this award. All three artists are pretty much even, but I'm putting my money on Luke for the win. Hey, the show takes place in Vegas... ya know? :)
TOP NEW FEMALE VOCALIST
- Sarah Buxton
- Kellie Pickler
- Taylor Swift
Remember in my opening statement where I said that some categories were really hard to decide, and some were simple? This one is one of the latter.
Who do I want to win? I'd love to see Taylor pick up the award.
Who will win? Taylor will definitely take this award home. Done deal.
TOP NEW DUO OR VOCAL GROUP
- Carolina Rain
- Lady Antebellum
- The Wreckers
Whereas the Top New Female category was easy, this one is a little tougher. I'm not really sure why The Wreckers are even here since they have stopped doing anything as a duo, and concentrated on some solo work. I love Carolina Rain. They have such awesome harmonies that rival Rascal Flatts in my opinion. I also think that Lady Antebellum has some great harmonies. They remind me of Little Big Town in that sense. And that's a good thing.
Who do I want to win? I'd love to see Lady Antebellum pick up this award.
Who will win? I really think that Lady Antebellum will take this one home. Their song "Love Don't Live Here" is scorching hot, and their album debuted at No. 1. The Wreckers aren't doing anything as a duo anymore, and I think that will hurt them in this category.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- 5th Gear - Brad Paisley Read review
- Crazy Ex-Girlfriend - Miranda Lambert Read review
- Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates - Kenny Chesney Read review
- If You're Going Through Hell - Rodney Atkins Read review
- Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift Read review
This has got to be one of the hardest categories for me to pick. All five of these albums are excellent. Brad Paisley's 5th Gear has gone Platinum, as has Kenny Chesney's Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates, and Rodney Atkins' If You're Going Through Hell. Taylor Swift trumps everyone with a 3x Platinum album for her self-titled debut.
Who do I want to win? I'd like to see Rodney Atkins win this one. His album has spun out 4 Number One Songs!
Who will win? This is hard. I think it may just be Miss Swift here. She is just so popular lately that I think that may sway a lot of voters. I wouldn't count out Brad Paisley though. His last Album of the Year nomination won him the award.
