With November quickly approaching, the 50th Annual CMA Awards are right around the corner!
All of America will be watching to see who takes home the most coveted trophy in country music. This year is extra special to the country music community as it is the Country Music Association’s 50th anniversary of the iconic award show. The 2016 event promises spectacle, accolades and countless special moments.
In honor of country music’s biggest night, we at Celeb Secrets Country have put together our winner predictions for the following categories: Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and New Artist of the Year.
Hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, the 50th Annual CMA Awards airs Wednesday, November 2nd @ 8/7c from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC. Fans can buy tickets to the award show by clicking here.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Garth Brooks; Luke Bryan; Chris Stapleton; Carrie Underwood; Keith Urban
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: There is no doubt that all of these artists deserve a win in this category, however we have to tip our hats off to the king, Garth Brooks. Brooks is on the second year of his world tour, and just celebrated a milestone of seven diamond-certified albums. This honor makes Brooks the first artist in history to receive 7 RIAA Diamond awards for seven albums, which equates to 10 million copies sold. With his world tour well underway and this recent achievement we believe that Brooks will be the one to take home the award this year.
SINGLE OF THE YEAR: Thomas Rhett – “Die a Happy Man”; Tim McGraw – “Humble and Kind”; Maren Morris – “My Church”; Chris Stapleton “Nobody to Blame”; Eric Church “Record Year”
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: We have got to tip our hats off to Tim McGraw in this category. The song “Humble and Kind” came at the perfect time for the music industry. McGraw reminded us that all we need in life is a little humility and to always follow the golden rule. For these reasons we believe that the Country Music Association can not resist honoring McGraw and his producer/engineer Byron Gallimore for the smash hit.
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ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Dierks Bentely – “Black”; Maren Morris – “Hero”; Eric Church – “Misunderstood”; Keith Urban – “Ripcord”; Carrie Underwood – “Storyteller”
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: Carrie Underwood is our pick for this category. Her fifth studio album Storyteller, climbed up the Billboard charts to quickly reach no. 1. Underwood has shown her diversity throughout the history of Country Music, and we believe that this is why she is a main contender for this specific award. Storyteller is a bold album that speaks to Underwood’s many talents. In addition to being the host of the CMA Awards this year, Underwood is bound to have a big night.
SONG OF THE YEAR: Cameron “Cam” Ochs, Tyler Johnson, and Jeff Bhasker – “Burning House”; Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, and Joe Spargur – “Die A Happy Man”; Lori Mckenna – “Humble and Kind”; Eric Church and Jeff Hyde – “Record Year”; Busbee and Maren Morris – “My Church”
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: Country music new comer, Cam, has our vote to win this category. “Burning House” took Country Music by storm with its longing melody and stunning vocals. The song itself paints the picture of not being able to give up a love even though its in the flames. With her vulnerability and passion we believe that Cam will be the one to take this home.
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: This category is stacked with talent, but if we are choosing one Underwood has our support. Underwood’s Storyteller album took Country Music to a new level, and her recent “The Storyteller Tour” is jam packed with electric performances. If Underwood takes the cake on this one this will be her fourth win in this category.
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MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Dierks Bentely, Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: In a sea of talent Chris Stapleton really sticks out to us here. His Traveller album crossed multiple genres and really pushed the boundaries of Country Music. Stapleton’s grit and compelling lyrics should earn him a win in this category.
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR: Lady Antebellum, Old Dominion, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Zac Brown Band
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: Long time Country Music super group, Little Big Town is out pick to win this category. Little Big Town has an army of voters who helped them take home the award for the past four years, and we would like to see them take it home again. Their Painkiller album cycle is now over, but they have remained active with opening for Luke Bryan and working with Pharrell. With this as a factor we believe that Little Big Town as a fifth win in their belts.
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR: Florida Georgia Line, Maddie & Tae, Joey + Rory, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: This category is pretty much a guaranteed win for FGL. The duo has rocked Country Music and gained millions of fans as well as hits. FGL’s catchy hits as well as ability to always deliver leads us to believe that the dynamic duo is headed for the podium.
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MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR: “Different for Girls,” Dierks Bentley and Elle King, “The Figther,” Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood, “Home Alone Tonight,” Luke Bryan and Karen Fairchild, “Think of You,” Chris Young and Cassadee Pope, “You are My Sunshine,” Chris and Morgane Stapleton
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: There really is nothing America loves more than a couple singing the same song, and not to mention a golden classic. The Stapleton’s brought their own gritty flare to the historic ballad, and the arrangement of burning guitar and their stunning vocals has us yearning for more.
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR: “Fire Away,” Chris Stapleton, “Humble & Kind,” Tim McGraw, “Record Year,” Eric Church, “Somewhere on a Beach,” Dierks Bentley, “Burning House,” Cam
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: We believe that Stapleton is in the market for another win here. His “Fire Away” video addressed the topic of Mental Illness as a relationship turns sour ending in disaster. Due to the heavy risk of this video in a market that is sometimes timid to take on big issues, we believe that Stapleton deserves this win.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Cole Swindell, Old Dominion
WHO DO WE THINK WILL WIN: Our hats are in the air for both of the ladies in this category. Ballerini came on the scene with hit after hit all the while breaking historic records. However, Maren Morris produced an album that is more compelling and challenges its listeners. There is no doubt that both artists are deserving, so we would be happy with either one. Both women are proof to the power of being a female artist and we are excited to see them both represent.
