The 42nd Country Music Award Show is happening November 12th on ABC from 7- 10pm. I’ll list my picks to win as we get closer to the big night. I would also like to add that I am glad it’s not on a Wednesday like the ACM’s were, the 12th of November is a Wednesday night. That does mean no new Pushing Daisy’s, Private Practice, or Dirty Sexy Money, but I can let that slide for some good country music.
::clears throat::
::puts on best announcer voice::
“And the nominees are…”
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Sugarland (YAY! First nomination for them in this category)
Keith Urban
No Rascal Flatts this year.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Keith Urban
This is a good category, but I would like to see Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, and Josh Turner added at some point.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Alison has the voice of an angel, but doesn’t get much radio play, which is a shame. Other powerhouse females that are missing are Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, and Sara Evans.
Vocal Group of the Year
The Eagles
Emerson Drive
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
There are more groups joining the country scene now, and it’s nice to see that reflected in the nominations. Next year we could see Lost Trailers in this category.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland
The Wreckers
This, like the Group of the Year, is a category that has been expanding the last few years with newer duos. The Wreckers really don’t deserve to be there however since they are no longer together, and that has been known for a long time, so their inclusion bugs me. Look for Michelle Branch to try a solo country career soon.
New Artist of the Year (formally The Horizon Award)
Jason Aldean
Rodney Atkins
Lady Antebellum
James Otto
Kellie Pickler
This is going to be a tough pick this year.
Single of the Year (award to the artist)
“Don’t Blink” – Kenny Chesney
“Gunpowder & Lead” – Miranda Lambert
“I Saw God Today” – George Strait
“Stay” – Sugarland
“You’re Gonna Miss This” – Trace Adkins
Song of the Year (award to Songwriter)
“Good Time” – Alan Jackson (Alan Jackson)
“I Saw God Today” – George Strait (Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, Wade Kirby)
“Letter To Me” – Brad Paisley (Brad Paisley)
“Stay” – Sugarland (Jennifer Nettles)
“You’re Gonna Miss This” – Trace Adkins (Lee Thomas, Ashley Gorley)
Musical Event of the Year
“Another Try” – Josh Turner & Trisha Yearwood
“Every Other Weekend” – Reba McEntire & Kenny Chesney
“Gone, Gone, Gone” – Alison Kraus & Robert Plant
“Life in a Northern Town” – Sugarland featuring Little Big Town & Jake Owen
“Shiftwork” – Kenny Chesney & George Strait
Music Video of the Year
“Don’t Blink” – Kenny Chesney
“Good Time” – Alan Jackson
“Stay” – Sugarland
“Waitin’ on a Woman” – Brad Paisley
“You’re Gonna Miss This” – Trace Adkins
This year I will watch them all online and make a pick. I always forget that I have that option since I am too cheap to splurge for the Expanded cable and just have basic at my house, thus no CMT.
Album of the Year
“Carnival Ride” – Carrie Underwood
“Cowboy Town” – Brooks & Dunn
“Good Time” – Alan Jackson
“Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates” – Kenny Chesney
“Troubadour” – George Strait