Each year, I make my silly predictions on who will win what at the CMA Awards. Here are my choices for 2018. Agree or disagree? Weigh in, and let’s watch the CMA Awards together Wednesday night on RTV6 as I live tweet @JackShellRadio.
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49apo1NCufk
Chris is on fire. Sells out concert after concert in-spite of big radio airplay success. Of the five, Stapleton’s a sure bet again this year.
Single of the Year
“Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton
“Drinkin’ Problem,” Midland
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
Try turning on the radio without hearing that earworm. It’s on hit radio, country radio, it’s everywhere. My personal favorite of this list is “Drinkin’ Problem”, but if I’m a betting man, it’s “Meant to Be” for Bebe & FGL.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmS8eMzwL08
It should be Kelsea’s year, but I think Carrie still wins out. Her “Cry Pretty” performance and the drama surrounding her makes for a great story, and country music’s all about stories and drama. Carrie.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
Again, Stapleton is going to win here. Nothing against the others in this category, but Chris’ effortless performances make him the leader of the pack.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Sugarland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaiJAsfKfI0
No question. Although I am a HUGE fan of Brothers Osborne, I know that the impact that Florida Georgia Line continues to make on country music radio far exceeds their competition on this list and has transcended our genre with the crossover power of ‘Meant to Be.’ FGL FTW.
New Artist of the Year
Lauren Alaina
Luke Combs
Chris Janson
Midland
Brett Young
I wanted BADLY to go with Brett Young, but I think Luke Combs’ sound is distinctly more country and his songs have been reasons to listen to our format in 2018. Oh, and that huge debut album which was number one for HOW long?
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
LANCO
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
It’s Old Dominion’s year, although I would hardly categorize them as a “Vocal Group”, but a band. Some of the best lyrics in music anywhere are being recorded and performed by this outfit, and they keep delivering with hit after hit.
Album of the Year
From A Room: Volume 2, Chris Stapleton
Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves
Graffiti U, Keith Urban
Life Changes, Thomas Rhett
The Mountain, Dierks Bentley
I think Thomas deserves his dues. Hit after hit with Life Changes, and you’ve got to mix it up now and then, or else the CMA Awards become the Chris Stapleton Awards. I’m pullin’ for T-Rhett.
Song of the Year
“Body Like A Back Road,” Sam Hunt
“Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Drunk Girl,” Chris Janson
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
As impactful as “Drunk Girl” is, I have to go with Chris Stapleton again here. The vocal, the lyrics, the effortless performance by today’s premier country superstar. Stapleton all the way. Who’s going to take him on NEXT year? THAT is the question.
Musical Event of the Year
“Burning Man,” Dierks Bentley feat. Brothers Osborne
“Dear Hate,” Maren Morris feat. Vince Gill
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” David Lee Murphy & Kenny Chesney
“Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
I really want to go with “Burning Man” because I love Dierks and the Bros, but country music loves a comeback story, and David Lee Murphy’s first hit since 1994’s “Dust On The Bottle” with Kenny Chesney is kind of a no-brainer. “Meant to Be” a close second.
Music Video of the Year
“Babe,” Sugarland feat. Taylor Swift
“Cry Pretty,” Carrie Underwood
“Drunk Girl,” Chris Janson
“Marry Me,” Thomas Rhett
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
Carrie. Tears. Makeup. The story. ‘Nuff said.
Now what say you? Tell me.
