The nominees were just announced this week for the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards, taking place on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airing on the CBS Television Network.
So excited for this stellar award show, and happy to see many new artists nominated in several categories.
Thought I’d have some fun, and give you my predictions for the award show!
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
· Jason Aldean
· Garth Brooks – my pick
· Luke Bryan
· Eric Church
· Miranda Lambert
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
· Jason Aldean
· Dierks Bentley
· Eric Church
· Brett Eldredge
· Chris Stapleton – my pick
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
· Kelsea Ballerini
· Jana Kramer
· Miranda Lambert – my pick
· Kacey Musgraves
· Carrie Underwood
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
· Brothers Osborne
· Dan + Shay
· Florida Georgia Line
· Joey + Rory – my pick
· Maddie & Tae
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
· Eli Young Band
· Little Big Town – my pick
· Old Dominion
· Rascal Flatts
· Zac Brown Band
NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
· Brett Eldredge
· Chris Janson
· Thomas Rhett
· Chase Rice
· Chris Stapleton – my pick
NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
· Kelsea Ballerini
· Cam – my pick
· Mickey Guyton
· RaeLynn
NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
· A Thousand Horses – my pick
· Brothers Osborne
· Maddie & Tae
· Old Dominion
· Parmalee
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
· I’m Comin’ Over – Chris Young
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
Record Label: RCA Records – my pick
· Montevallo – Sam Hunt
Producers: Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally
Record Label: MCA Nashville
· Mr. Misunderstood – Eric Church
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: EMI Records Nashville
· Tangled Up – Thomas Rhett
Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure, Chris DeStefano, Joe London
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.
· Traveller – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Record Label: Mercury Records
Single Record of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
· Burning House – Cam
Producers: Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson, Camaron Ochs
Record Labels: Arista Nashville, RCA Records, Kravenworks – my pick
· Buy Me A Boat – Chris Janson
Producers: Brent Anderson, Chris DuBois, Chris Janson
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
· Die A Happy Man – Thomas Rhett
Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.
· Girl Crush – Little Big Town
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
· I’m Comin’ Over – Chris Young
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
Record Label: RCA Nashville
· Take Your Time – Sam Hunt
Producers: Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally
Record Label: MCA Nashville
Video of the Year [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award)
· Biscuits – Kacey Musgraves
Director: Mark Klasfeld
Producer: Nicole Acacio
· Burning House – Cam
Director: Trey Fanjoy
Producer: Trent Hardville
· Girl Crush – Little Big Town
Directors: Karla Welch, Matthew Welch
Producer: Amanda Prunesti – my pick
· Mr. Misunderstood – Eric Church
Directors: Reid Long, John Peets
Producer: Megan Smith
· Riser – Dierks Bentley
Director: Wes Edwards
Producer: Jennifer Rothlein
Vocal Event of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]*(Off Camera Award)
· Hangover Tonight – Gary Allan Featuring Chris Stapleton
Producers: Gary Allan, Greg Droman
Record Label: MCA Nashville
· Home Alone Tonight – Luke Bryan Featuring Karen Fairchild
Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens
Record Label: Capitol Nashville – my pick
· Raise ‘Em Up – Keith Urban Featuring Eric Church
Producers: Nathan Chapman, Keith Urban
Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Nashville
· Smokin’ And Drinkin’ – Miranda Lambert Featuring Little Big Town
Producers: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville
· Wild Child – Kenny Chesney With Grace Potter
Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Record Labels: Blue Chair Records, Columbia Nashville