2012 ACM Award for Female Vocalist of the Year – Miranda Lambert

A high-profile marriage shouldn't factor into the Female Vocalist of the Year voting, but it will. However, if Miranda Lambert wins this award, it will be more of a testament to what she's accomplished on stage and in the studio than behind closed doors. She's become the new voice of the normal girl country crowd. She's a champion for every woman sick of being told they have to behave like a bikini model to be considered talented.

She will win if: ACM voters go with their gut feelings. On paper, other artists may have sold more singles, albums and concert tickets, but no female in country music is more influential today than Lambert. She is the artist the next generation of singer's will credit as an influence.