In recognition of country artists continuous and innovative creativity in  engaging fans through social media, CMT today announced a brand new category and nominations for the 2016 CMT Music Awards, the #SocialSuperstar category. The award honors artists who are pioneering social media as a tool to regularly interact with fans through a multitude of platforms and apps.

Celeb Secrets Country Predicts the 2016 CMT Music Awards – All Categories

The nominees for the inaugural award are Brett EldredgeBlake SheltonJake OwenKelsea BalleriniLindsay Ell and Thomas Rhett. Nominees Blake Shelton and Thomas Rhett are now tied for the most nominations with Carrie Underwood, Cam and Chris Stapleton, with three each.

All of the nominees make a huge effort to connect with their fans and let the world know what they are up to. In my opinion, I predict that Brett Eldredge will win this award, not only because I am in love with him, but because he Snapchats just about every single day with ‘Bed Head Jams’ and just tapes the silly things he does throughout his day and makes it his Snapchat Story.

Fans can vote via Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #CMTawards and an artist specific tag.  Voting will continue to be open during the live show on June 8th. Fans are encouraged to post with #CMTawards plus the hashtag for their favorite artists: #VoteBlake, #VoteBrett, #VoteJake, #VoteKelsea, #VoteLindsay and #VoteThomas.

Co-hosted for the second year by Erin Andrews and joined by football superstar J.J. Watt, country’s biggest stars are slated to perform including Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Cam, Chris Stapleton, Fifth Harmony, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett and more to be announced.

The 2016 CMT Music Awards airs Wednesday, June 8th @ 8/7c on CMT.

Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

Author

  • Isabel Baldinger

    Isabel is an intern for Celeb Secrets Country. Originally from New Jersey, she is currently living the dream in Nashville while getting her degree in Music Business from Belmont University. If she is not in class or interviewing artists, she is at a concert, at Hotbox, hanging out with friends, traveling, lounging around at Tin Roof, or eating tacos.