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October 26th, 2009 at 6:06 PM
2009 CMA Awards Preview
In all my years of picking the CMA Awards, I have to say that this year might be the toughest one of all. I don’t think there are any categories where you can say for sure who is going to win. My percentage has always been pretty good, but 2009 might change that. Take a look at my picks for this year, and see what you think!
Vocal Group Of The Year: The Eagles, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, The Zac Brown Band
Analysis: Little Big Town is the most talented of these five nominees, but they have not had a strong enough year at radio to have a shot. So, you’ve got Glen, Don, & Co., who haven’t released new music in two years; The Zac Brown Band, who has made huge inroads the past 12 months; Lady A, who will take this award over at some point….
Who will win: Rascal Flatts.
Who should win: I’m not going to argue about Rascal Flatts, as they represent the genre well, but the total lack of attention to Little Big Town is mind-boggling!
Vocal Duo Of The Year: Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Joey + Rory, Montgomery Gentry, Sugarland
Analysis: You know, Montgomery Gentry has maintained a consistency in their career that few can match, but I just don’t see them with a huge chance this year. Big & Rich haven’t been together all year, and Joey + Rory hasn’t had any radio presence (unfortunately). So you have the recent champ (Sugarland) going against the all-time champ one last time (Brooks & Dunn). Roll the dice.
Who will win: Sugarland. The numbers say nothing less.
Who should win: Again, I don’t disagree, but have you heard Kix and Ronnie on “Indian Summer?” Plus, it’s hard to look past their excellence.
Song Of The Year: “Chicken Fried,” “I Told You So,” “In Color,” “People Are Crazy,” “Then”
Analysis: I think that 2009’s list is a very diverse one. You’ve got a song that’s two decades old competing with the media critical darling of today in Jamey Johnson. Toss out “Chicken Fried” and “Then,” and I think you’ve got a three-man race that could go to anyone. But I’m supposed to pick these, right?
Who will win: “In Color.” This is one time that the “critics” have it right.
Who should win: “In Color.” It was the best song by an inch over “People Are Crazy,” but it was the best!
Single of the Year: “Chicken Fried” by The Zac Brown Band; “I Run To You” by Lady Antebellum; “In Color” by Jamey Johnson; “People Are Crazy” by Billy Currington; “Then” by Brad Paisley
Analysis: If you believe the description of the award, this one does take chart success into the equation more than song and Currington’s song beats Johnson’s there.
Who will win: “People Are Crazy”
Who should win: “People Are Crazy.” One thing about Billy Currington is that he knows a great song!
New Artist of the Year: Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, Darius Rucker, The Zac Brown Band
Analysis: Ouch! Pretty tough competition. You could actually make an argument for any of these, but I will go on a not-too-long limb with my pick.
Who will win: Jamey Johnson
Who should win: Jamey Johnson. He’s one of those type talents that you rarely see come along. There’s no marketing savvy….it’s just real.
Musical Event of the Year: “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” BY Brooks & Dunn & Reba; “Down The Road” by Kenny Chesney & Dave Matthews; “I Told You So” by Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis; “Everything But Quits” by Lee Ann Womack & George Strait; “Old Enough” by The Raconteurs; Ashley Monroe & Ricky Skaggs; “Start A Band” by Brad Paisley & Keith Urban
Analysis: A pretty tough category. Take away “Old Enough,” and I think everybody has a chance. Each nominee has two superstars represented in the recording, but I think two stand out a little more.
Who will win: Brad Paisley & Keith Urban. They are two acts that command a huge amount of respect from CMA voters, and rightfully so.
Who should win: Brooks & Dunn & Reba. You’ve got two of Country Music’s top voices on a performance that will go down as one of their best.
Video of the Year: “Boots On” by The Randy Houser Band; “Love Story” by Taylor Swift; “People Are Crazy” by Billy Currington; “Start A Band” by Brad Paisley & Keith Urban; “Troubadour,” George Strait
Analysis: All five kept fans entertained during the year, but I think it’s going to come down to Taylor’s beauty, Brad and Keith’s humor, and a chance meeting with destiny for Billy Currington…..and the winner is:
Who will win: Brad Paisley & Keith Urban. It will be hard for the CMA voters to resist the starpower.
Who should win: Billy Currington. Hey, it was my favorite! Plus, I think it really held to the spirit of the song.
Album of the Year: American Saturday Night by Brad Paisley; Defying Gravity by Keith Urban; Fearless by Taylor Swift; Love On The Inside by Sugarland; That Lonesome Song by Jamey Johnson
Analysis: Each of the five could very well win, though I do consider Paisley’s album to be his weakest although he has a strong fan base with the CMA. The other four are on pretty equal ground. Jamey has the critical acclaim, Taylor has the sales, Sugarland has the hits, and Keith has the mass appeal. So I guess you could call it a gut feeling…
Who will win: Taylor Swift. Millions of buyers can’t be wrong.
Who should win: Keith Urban. I think it was his best disc yet.
Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert,Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood
Analysis: With a win, Underwood ties fellow nominees McBride and McEntire with four. I don’t think it’s happening this year for her. She’s had a strong year, but nothing like the young woman from the Big Machine.
Who will win: Taylor Swift.
Who should win: Taylor Swift. Nobody has had a better year, and she handles her success as great as anyone.
Male vocalist of the Year: Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Keith Urban
Analysis: Did you know that Kenny Chesney has never won this trophy? Brad Paisley, George Strait, and Keith Urban all have — a few times. I can almost guarantee that 2009 is going to feature a repeat winner.
Who will win: Brad Paisley. I see no reason the CMA voters will switch streams.
Who should win: George Strait. There’s something to be said about being so good for so long.
Entertainer of the Year: Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban
Analysis: A few months ago, I was confident that Paisley would assume Chesney’s throne. But, Keith Urban and Taylor Swift have had very strong years, and have received massive amounts of media attention as of late. I think that it comes down to them.
Who will win Keith Urban. He’s had a great 2009, and though I know he didn’t do it for a trophy, his “All For The Hall” concert will strike a chord with many voters.
Who should win: Keith Urban. Taylor Swift is getting there, but not yet.
Tune in to the 43rd Annual Country Music Association Awards on ABC on November 11th at 8pm eastern / 7pm central.
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Comments
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 PM { # }
I totally agree, the much needed attention that LBT deserves but for some reason just doesn’t seem to happen; is totally mind boggling. Just doesn’t make sense to me. I just don’t get why radio doesn’t play them that much. I am in Canada and CMT up here, ‘never’ plays them. I can not remember the last time I saw a video on there of them. I wish they would get the attention that they so deserve and have busted their butts for. I am not saying the other bands haven’t but in a way ZZB, LA have had things a bit easier than LBT. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, LBT will get what they’re worked so hard for!!!
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 PM { # }
Carrie will win female vocalist of the year. Taylor has a chance at album and eoty.
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 PM { # }
Can’t figure out LBT’s neglect either. They harmonize so beautifully together. I’ll be happy when someone does dethrone RFs….this last song of theirs makes me want to hurl! EOTY in my book should be Keith Urban. The man is the ENTERTAINER…nobody in the entertainer category can touch him as far as I’m concerned. Taylor make get all the votes and may win but she is not anywhere in Keith’s league. She has a Disney production, not a country show! If she wins, I will have lost all faith in the country music industry. Brad could win, but he still is not the entertainer Keith is even though the Nashville suites love him for his corny songs.
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 PM { # }
No one deserves EOTY more than Keith Urban. I hope you are right.
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 PM { # }
I’m right there with many others…. why does LBT continue to get overlooked? They have a sound that no other can touch. That along with the true heart felt passion in their music is immeasureable. Radio is not listening to the fans, as they are screaming for LBT music!!! It should be their time for recognition for their sound, for their song writing and for their dedication to their fans!!
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 PM { # }
Taylor should not win the coveted EOTY, nor Female Vocalist. If the CMAs are so intent on thanking her, give her Video of the Year and call it quits. Folks, she’s a gifted songwriter for her age group, that’s it! She still needs more maturing musically and lyrically.
I would like to see George Strait win EOTY, but think that this year is Brad Paisley’s. Male Vocalist definitely should go to George Strait–he’s had an incredible year too and he’s definitely country.
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 PM { # }
I sense that there is going to be a surprise next Wednesday at the CMA awards and my guess is that it will occur in the EOTY category and feel strongly that George Strait (deservedly so too)will be walking away with this one. I’ll explain:
Both Paisley/Urban will knock each other out. Kenny has seen his last days as EOTY. The CMAs will never hear the end of it if they vote TS as EOTY by die-hard country. George Strait will win, because as Chuck Daupin has stated: “There’s something to be said about being good for so long.” GO GEORGE!!!!
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 PM { # }
I really hope you are right. Keith should win everything he is nominated for but I will be happy with EOTY.
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 PM { # }
I confess, I’m mainly a Reba fan and don’t know tons about a lot of artists, so obviously I’m pulling for Reba! But I find it interesting that you think George Strait deserves to win Male Vocalist of the Year because “There’s something to be said about being so good for so long.” That’s pretty much how I feel about Reba. Been in the business longer than all the other nominees combined (including Martina!) and I just think she really is the best VOCALIST in the bunch. But if it’s about which female artist did the best this past year…it’s probably Taylor’s to lose. I like her songwriting and she probably deserves to win in some of the other categories, but I personally wouldn’t give her a vocalist trophy.
A bunch of firsts and record-breaking that could happen in this category: It would be a 1st female vocalist win for Taylor or Miranda. Carrie would tie with Martina and Reba for most female vocalist wins. Martina or Reba would break the tie between them for most female vocalist wins. Seems like it will be a big night no matter what.
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October 26th, 2009 at 6:13 PM { # }
hi everyone
my vote is for MR KEITH URBAN———————————-
HE HAS WORKED SO HARD THIS YEAR.HE IS ONE GREAT ENTERTAINER.EVERY THING HE DOES COMES FROM THE
HEART.THE BEST CONCERTS EVER.HIS BAND ALSO GREAT.HE HAS BEEN LOOKED OVER LONG ENOUGH NOW.SORRY NOT A T.S FAN.
HER MUSIC SOUNDS THE SAME.. I LIKE TO SEE A SONG WORK ITS WAY UP ON THE CHARTS HERS GO RIGHT TO THE TOP.//?:
SAME WITH C.U.CMT IS GREAT FOR THAT
GOOD LUCK KEITH THE BESTEOTY
SO GOOD LUCKI TO BILLY CURRINGTON;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
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