2014 CMA Awards Predictions – Make Yours!
Predicting winners for the CMA Awards takes focus, skill, research and ... awww, who are we kidding? It takes a lot of luck! Our team of "experts" did well at the ACM Awards, but can ToC staff -- and readers -- duplicate the effort for the 2014 CMA Awards? It's time to find out.
Before every major awards show, ToC and readers face off and pick an assumed winner for each of the major awards. Overall, the record stands at two wins for Team ToC, one win for readers and two ties. Both readers and staff picked right for seven of 10 ACM categories in April, a doubling of the norm. What will that mean for the Nov. 5 CMAs ceremony?
Read our picks and explanations and then vote for who you think will Entertainer, Male and Female Vocalist and more. The 2014 CMA Awards air on ABC at 8PM ET on Nov. 5.
Entertainer of the Year
Our Prediction: Miranda Lambert - Once again, this is a difficult category. George Strait could win for a second straight year, but it seems likely he'll lose some sentimental votes. Miranda Lambert deserves one of these awards, and this year seems as good as any. The time is right for another female to take home country music's biggest award.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Our Prediction: Miranda Lambert - Lambert has won this each of the last four years, and there's no reason to believe the streak will end. Carrie Underwood is the closest competition, and while she's deserving, the Texan has had a strong 12 months on the radio and onstage. If she doesn't win however, she's a lock-in for the night's big prize.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Our Prediction: Luke Bryan - Blake Shelton's streak of four straight will end. Both men have been equally reliable hitmakers, but the 'Roller Coaster' singer's career has rocketed to new levels on the strength of his live show and interaction with fans. There's no male hotter in country music right now.
Vocal Group of the Year
Our Prediction: Lady Antebellum - It's almost a toss-up between Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town, but our money is on the 'Bartender' singers on the strength of this single, and their successful return to headlining concerts after the birth of Hillary Scott's little girl.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Our Prediction: Florida Georgia Line - None of the other four acts nominated in 2014 have had anywhere near as much success as Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard. If they lose, it'd be an all-time CMAs upset.
New Artist of the Year
Our Prediction: Thomas Rhett - Kip Moore's loyal fanbase is unmatched in this group, but radio success typically plays a heavier role in determining the winner. Thomas Rhett has a great live show and several big hits, plus he's a charismatic superstar on the rise and it's hard not to get behind him.
Album of the Year
Our Prediction: Eric Church, 'The Outsiders' - During years Miranda Lambert and Eric Church have released new music, one of the two has won this honor. All five CMA nominees are truly deserving, however -- it's an impossible category to predict. We stuck five names in a hat and pulled Church's. So, we'll go with that.
Song of the Year
Our Prediction: Dierks Bentley, 'I Hold On' - Song of the Year has traditionally been a place where artists not used to taking home awards can win one. Lee Brice won last year, but this year's 'I Drive Your Truck' is Dierks Bentley's 'I Hold On.' The singer spent the year talking about it, telling the personal story about his father and wife. It should make for a very emotional moment come November.
Single of the Year
Our Prediction: Miranda Lambert, 'Automatic' - Lambert's first single from 'Platinum' is the closet any song came to blanketing radio in 2014. The nostalgic message feels right when you hear it, although so does 'Meanwhile Back at Mama's' ... Look for one of these two to win the night.
Music Video of the Year
Our Prediction: Dierks Bentley, 'Drunk on a Plane' - Bentley premiered the song on Funny or Die, it was that funny! Every moment of this clip pays off with a chuckle, snort or laugh-out-loud moment. 'Somethin' Bad' is also a strong contender.
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