CMA Predictions 2013

I’ve been watching the CMA Awards religiously for several years now, however this was the first year I became invested. Having been in the country music industry for a little over two years I’ve finally become a junkie. I have listened to every album, memorized each single, read up on the lives of these superstars and even met some insiders with stories you’d never believe. I feel like I’ve got this down.

Of course I say that and realize I’ve got quite a ways to go. But nonetheless, this year I bring you my first ever CMA award prediction list – complete with explanations. I may not have it all figured out but I’ll give it a shot! Besides, awards shows are so unpredictable that any guess could be correct!

And of course I’m most looking forward to the red carpet looks anyway. Perhaps I should add another category for who will take best dressed!

Entertainer of the Year

My Choice – Blake Shelton

It’s hard to argue with the success of Blake Shelton this last year. The reigning CMA entertainer of the year took no time off in continuing his popularity streak releasing a number 1 selling album and winning The Voice for a 3rd straight season. Taylor Swift with her album and worldwide tour could possibly beat Shelton, but I think some country purist voters may want to give it an artist who more embodies country music.

Male Vocalist of the Year

My Choice – Blake Shelton

Could Blake Shelton win both male vocalist and entertainer of the year? Yes! Again, in a category with crazy popular artist, most who released an album and broke box office records, it’s still hard to argue with Blake Shelton’s popularity.

Female Vocalist of the Year

My Choice – Taylor Swift

Having won female vocalist for 3 years in a row, it’s unlikely that Miranda Lambert will pull out a four-peat, especially with Carrie Underwood’s face plastered everywhere from albums to tours to football to live musicals (hello CMA entertainer nod next year!) But overshadowing all that is the reigning queen of music period: Taylor Swift.

Vocal Duo of the Year

My Choice – Florida Georgia Line

They came from seemingly nowhere and now FLGA members Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard have taken the country music – and pop music – world by storm! Between their breakout hit “Cruise,” their collaboration with hip hop singer Nelly, their debut album and their 3 consecutive number one hits, Florida Georgia Line will take home the trophy!

New Artists of the Year

My Choice – Florida Georgia Line

Although Kacey Musgraves is a top contender for this award given her critically acclaimed debut album and writing success with Miranda Lambert; her year fizzled almost as quick as it arrived. Florida Georgia line on the other hand took off and never stopped going.

Vocal Group of the Year

My Choice – Little Big Town

The Band Perry released a killer album this year (and yea, I’m still bitter they were snubbed in that category) but Little Big Town had a break out year complete with an album, number one hits and awards galore including a Grammy.

Musical Event of the Year

My Choice – “Highway Don’t Care” Tim McGraw feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban

Yes, this was Florida Georgia Line’s year and their collaboration with Nelly was a hit, but it didn’t receive much airplay on the country side. They could be a black horse to take home the prize but I’m betting it will be Tim Taylor and Keith ‘s number one smash, “Highway Don’t Care.”

Album of the Year

My Choice – Blake Shelton Based on a True Story

Let’s be real here: Little Big Town seems to be riding off their success of Pontoon and Tornado but overall their album felt like an odd choice for this category. Kacey Musgraves’ album was highly acclaimed (I LOVED it) but it failed to resonate on the country airwaves past it’s debut single. Taylor Swift’s Red was wildly popular worldwide, but it sounds more like a pop album than country music album. That leaves us with Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton. I go with Blake simply because Based on a True Story was an overall great album. Carrie produced 3 amazing songs and 9 so-so songs.

Single of the Year

My Choice – Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise”

“Cruise” is a song that makes you smile and turn up the radio when it comes on (a year later and I still do it). Plus, it was a smash crossover hit with Nelly and it catapulted the once “nobodies” into a seemingly unstoppable career.

Song of the Year

My Choice – Miranda Lambert “Mama’s Broken Heart”

This is the only category where I am predicting a winner yet truly believe it should go to someone else. “Mama’s Broken Heart” is a fantastically written song and will win because of it’s writing and who wrote it (Kacey Musgraves) not to mention who sang it. But Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck” is a song that hit home for so many people along with beautiful writing. For me, it should take the top prize.

Music Video of the Year

My Choice – Carrie Underwood, “Blown Away”

First of all, the song is outstanding (and was completely snubbed in the song categories). Now, mix that with Carrie Underwood’s power vocals and movie like video complete with special effects and a Wizard of Oz theme and we’ve got a winner. Plus, she already won the CMT Music Video of the Year award for it.

#cma #awardshows