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
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: If you haven’t heard this album yet, then you are missing out. Graffiti U is innovative and features unbelievable artists that add so much talent to the record. Just when we thought we couldn’t love Keith anymore he released this album.
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay perform onstage at 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee.
(June 5, 2018 – Source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images North America
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
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: Every single song in this category is absolutely amazing. Yet the one that is continually stuck in our head 24/7 is “Tequila!” Dan + Shay slayed the song and have brought so much life to it.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 12: Maren Morris and Vince Gill attend All For The Hall at the Bridgestone Arena on April 12, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for The Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum)
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
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: “Dear Hate” is one of the most powerful songs we have heard in so long, it is more relevant today than ever before. Maren and Vince compliment one another perfectly and this song is deserving of recognition.
Photo Credit: Rob Norris
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
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: We absolutely love this music video simply because of the story portrayed through it. If you haven’t seen it yet, watch it below and you will understand! It was so well done and accompanied by the perfect song.
Jason Davis/Getty Images for ACM via Billboard
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: Dann Huff is an absolute legend and we are always impressed by everything he is on! Every musician nominated for this category is the best of the best.
