The Country Music Assocation Awards are held each November to celebrate achievements in country music over the previous year. This year, the awards will be held on November 12, 2008 in Nashville, TN, and the show will be broadcast on ABC TV starting at 8:00 pm ET.
Predicting the awards is always fun, and I usually do a lot better at predicting the CMAs and ACMs than I do, say, the Grammy Awards, which are voted on by a variety of people from both inside and outside the genre. For the most part, there weren't too many surprises. There were a couple names I feel deserved nominations, but didn't get any, and a few that I was thrilled to see nominated, namely Trace Adkins. It's about time!
UPDATE: I've included the actual winners, so you can see how accurate my predictions ended up being.
Now, on to my predictions.
Note: The names of the artists are linked to their 2008 CMA Profiles.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Who I would like to win? The only tour of these five that I have seen over the past year has been George Strait. Kenny Chesney had another successful run this year with his Poets & Pirates Tour. Brad Paisley's Paisley Party was also a strong contender. Year after year, George Strait has one of the most highly anticipated shows. Watching him perform many of his No. 1 songs is a treat. This is Sugarland's first shot at the CMA Entertainer award, and if they're anything like they were in 2007, they totally deserve this nomination. Keith Urban is another fan favorite for a energy packed show. I am going to have to go with Keith Urban.
Who will win? While each of the nominees is truly deserving, I think that the numbers speak the loudest, and with over 1.2 million fans attending his shows, Kenny will take the award once more.
Who did win? Kenny Chesney.
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Who I would like to win? While I enjoy all these female artists, I really would have preferred Trisha Yearwood or Reba McEntire to have received a nomination, rather than Alison Krauss. Alison is really more bluegrass to me, than country. My sentimental choice would have to be Miranda Lambert.
Who will win? I believe that Carrie Underwood will take the award home once more. But, don't be overly surprised if Taylor Swift's name is announced instead. She's becoming hugely popular over the past year, and it's possible that that might sway some CMA voters.
Who did win? Carrie Underwood
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Kenny Chesney
- Alan Jackson
- Brad Paisley
- George Strait
- Keith Urban
Who I would like to win? Of the nominees this year, I would like to see Brad Paisley retain the Male Vocalist Award.
Who will win? I think that Brad Paisley will go home with the trophy.
Who did win? Brad Paisley
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Who I would like to win? Since I'm one of his "people," I gotta say I want Rodney Atkins to win.
Who will win? This is pretty tough. I love all these artists, but Rodney Atkins and James Otto both have No. 1 songs, so I would say that would put them out front to voters. I think Rodney may take the award. *crossing fingers*
Who did win? Lady Antebellum
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Eagles
- Emerson Drive
- Lady Antebellum
- Little Big Town
- Rascal Flatts
Who I would like to win? I would love to see Little Big Town take the award home.
Who will win? I see Rascal Flatts taking home the award once again. No doubt about it.
Who did win? Rascal Flatts
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
- Big & Rich
- Brooks & Dunn
- Montgomery Gentry
- Sugarland
- The Wreckers
Who I would like to win? I'm rooting for Sugarland. They won this award last year, and I hope they take it again this year.
Who will win? I think Sugarland will bring home the award again this year. Big & Rich didn't do anything together this year. Brooks & Dunn have had a decent year. Montgomery Gentry is probably the only duo that can really show any competition for Sugarland, but I still think Sugarland has had the most success, and they deserve to take home the award.
Who did win? Sugarland