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MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: Jerry Douglas (Dobro); Paul Franklin (Steel Guitar); Dann Huff (Guitar); Mac McAnally (Guitar); Derek Wells (Guitar)
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: We say Dan Huff. He won the award in 2001, 2004, and 2016. Could he make it 4? We think so.
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MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (Award goes to Artist and Director(s)): “Better Man” – Little Big Town // Directors: Becky Fluke and Reid Long; “Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban // Director: Carter Smith; “Craving You” – Thomas Rhett featuring Maren Morris // Director: TK McKamy; “It Ain’t My Fault” – Brothers Osborne // Directors: Wes Edwards and Ryan Silver; “Vice” – Miranda Lambert // Director: Trey Fanjoy
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: “Blue Ain’t Your Color” won Keith a CMT Music Award and the idea originated with his wife, Nicole Kidman. The video is timeless, and fits perfect with the tone of the song.
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NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Lauren Alaina; Luke Combs; Old Dominion; Jon Pardi; Brett Young
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: Jon Pardi was already named New Artist of the Year at the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards, so what’s stopping him from winning this at the CMA Awards this year?
