2014 ACM Awards Entertainer of the Year – Why Luke Bryan Should Win

A Luke Bryan repeat isn’t a bad bet at the 2014 ACM Awards. The ‘Play It Again’ singer was a surprise winner of the Entertainer of the Year trophy last April, but not an undeserving one. Typically, an artist 'deserves it' for two or three years before finally being recognized. Bryan won on his very first try and immediately became the hottest act in the genre.

He hasn’t slowed down. Appearances on national TV talk shows and a ACM Awards hosting gig bolster his intangibles. Musically, he released ‘Crash My Party,’ scoring three No. 1 hits plus two Platinum certifications. His tour is a hot ticket, and he’s breeding a new generation of country music. Florida Georgia Line and Cole Swindell are direct or indirect disciples of his.

Bryan should win because he is country’s hottest act right now. Sure, there's been a little controversy, but arrows are to be expected when one reaches the top of the highest mountain. He’s come into his own as a musician and songwriter and learned how to handle the obligations that come with fame as well as anyone in Nashville.

Below, you’ll find the highlights of Bryan’s ACM Entertainer of the Year campaign. Fans can vote for their favorite at VoteACM.com until the third hour of the live CBS Broadcast on April 6.

The Music: Blake Shelton and Bryan are the only EOTY nominees with albums in the Album of the Year category as well. ‘Crash My Party’ hasn’t budged from the Top 5 since its release in August, racking up almost two million in sales. Each single proves Bryan has his finger on the pulse of Country America. As far as radio is concerned, he can do no wrong.

The Tour: Bryan’s first full-scale headlining tour was the Dirt Road Diaries Tour, and it couldn't have been more successful. Fans followed him from show to show, filling up venues across the country with Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line along for the ride.

The Intangibles: Like Taylor Swift several years ago, Bryan is seemingly everywhere. Ellen loves him. Television morning talk shows love him. He was good with great potential as host of the 2013 ACM Awards. Really, there wasn’t an awards show that didn’t feature his music and denim-clad, swinging hips.