A win would be Taylor Swift's third straight major country award show snag for Entertainer of the Year award, including this award in 2011 and the CMA in November. Swift won all of this on the back of her 'Speak Now' album, so a lack of new music since 2010 might convince voters to lean towards another nominee.

She will win if: The highest profile, most commercially successful artist of the year is chosen by fans and the industry. It's tough to deny a woman who's selling out shows like Chiquita sells bananas. Swift's the most successful nominee internationally, and brings more attention to country music from fans of other genres. This is a good thing. Country music always needs more fans.

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