ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS MEYER: Eric Church
LOUIS KNOEBEL: Garth Brooks
Markus: I think Church has made the most compelling music of the bunch, but I certainly wouldn't argue a Garth win here.
Louis: Garth wrote the book on touring, why shouldn't he win? He's the oldest one here and he still arguably puts on the best and most energetic show. If I had another vote, I'd go with Church since he also gives you your money's worth at a show.
WILL WIN
MARKUS MEYER: Luke Bryan
LOUIS KNOEBEL: Luke Bryan
Markus: Maybe Brooks pushes here, but I'll play it safe and go with Luke.
Louis: He's still the biggest thing in mainstream country music and hasn't slowed down. It could be tight between him and Garth, but I'm going with the safe choice.
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Chris Stapleton
LOUIS: Chris Stapleton
Markus: I would love, love, love a Stapleton, or even a Dierks win here. Both made interesting and excellent music within the eligibility period.
LOUIS: In terms of who actually has the best voice here, Stapleton wins hands down. There's no debating it. I really want Dierks to win something though, so I'm also quietly rooting for him as well.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Blake Shelton
LOUIS: Blake Shelton
Markus: I know better than to bet against Blake here.
LOUIS: With everything that has transpired with his life in the past months tied up with the fact that he's loved at these things anyway, this one almost seems guaranteed.
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Kacey Musgraves
LOUIS: Carrie Underwood
Markus: Kacey made quality music and was commercially relevant. Fairly easy pick here.
Louis: In terms of sheer vocal power Carrie has this down (although I love Lee Ann's voice as well). I'd like to vote for Kacey, but I honestly don't think she's given us her best yet.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Miranda Lambert
LOUIS: Miranda Lambert
Markus: Love the competition this year. Going with Lambert (again) but don't be surprised with a Carrie or Kacey victory here.
LOUIS: It's the same reason I gave for Blake. Any award that these two are up for is essentially guaranteed to be theirs.
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Zac Brown Band
LOUIS: Little Big Town
Markus: What an incredibly lame group of nominees. Zac Brown Band for absolutely no other reason than I want to see them win one. Even if they did sell out this year.
Louis: Wow, what an empty category... Lady A is on hiatus, Rascal Flatts are on the verge of irrelevancy, and The Band Perry and Zac Brown seem to think making Pop music is more fun. Little Big Town hasn't exactly been great lately either, but they were able to push a waltz up to the top five, so that's OK in my book.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Little Big Town
LOUIS: Little Big Town
Markus: Little Big Town with ease
Louis: As for who will win? Two words - Girl Crush.
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Maddie & Tae
LOUIS: Maddie & Tae
Markus: I would adore a Maddie & Tae win here. Country music would be well represented if they were victorious.
Louis: These gals have stood up for themselves, fought for THEIR country music, openly criticized the industry, and have provided leadership for females at a time when they need it the most. Why the hell shouldn't they win?
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Florida Georgia Line
LOUIS: Florida Georgia Line
Markus: Maybe next year Maddie & Tae.
Louis: Although the race is tighter than ever before, these guys are still too large to take down. Next year might be different, but for now I believe we'll have to settle for the same ol' same.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Chris Stapleton
LOUIS: Maddie & Tae
Markus: Killer pipes, top-notch production, substantial lyrics. Can't ask for any more than that.
Louis: Yes! Believe or not, this is one category where I'm pulling for someone other than Chris Stapleton. As I noted before, these ladies have had a tremendous impact on the genre, and have done a lot to fight for their rights as artists. That's an artist if you ask me.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Sam Hunt
LOUIS: Sam Hunt
Markus: Evolution!
Louis: Because evolution and stuff.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Traveller, Chris Stapleton
LOUIS: Traveller, Chris Stapleton
Markus: Traveller is far and away the best of the five. Damn near perfection on all fronts.
Louis: If there's any award I really want Stapleton to win, it's this win. His album is by far and away the best here, and the more recognition it receives, the faster we could get a single from it to freakin' chart.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Pageant Material, Kacey Musgraves
LOUIS: Pageant Material, Kacey Musgraves
Markus: I have a hard time seeing a scenario in which Musgraves' very solid sophomore effort doesn't win. Critical beast and commercial power house.
Louis: I feel like they'll go with the critical darling for this one. Not a bad choice if so.
SONG OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: "Like A Wrecking Ball" by Eric Church
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
Markus: Sure, it may be just a sex anthem, but "Like A Wrecking Ball" is bold, and it has character. Good enough for me.
Louis: Wow, what a horrible field this year... The song I don't dislike besides "Girl Crush" is "American Kids", but it's definitely not a song of the year type of song. Hey, even if you hate "Girl Crush" just think, it's the one award that Sam Hunt won't win. What's not to love about that?
WILL WIN
MARKUS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
Markus: "Girl Crush" will win. It will not be close.
Louis: *See above*
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: "Talladega" by Eric Church
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
Markus: "Talladega" was a huge hit, as well as simply a great song. One of Church's best efforts to-date.
Louis: It's the best song here IMO, and the biggest one at that. 'Nuff said.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
Markus: "Girl Crush" is better on paper than it is in recording, but this is as close to a lock as you'll find.
Louis: *See above*
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: "Girl In a Country Song" by Maddie & Tae
LOUIS: This video went above and beyond the call of duty and most certainly succeeded at delivering a message even though it's a silly song. They deserve this.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
LOUIS: I've already said it....this will win everything.
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: "Raise 'Em Up" by Keith Urban and Eric Church
LOUIS: Django and Jimmie by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson
Markus: I have to admit something... I actually haven't listened to Django and Jimmie yet. Because of that, I shall give my vote to the brilliant Keith Urban and Eric Church duet.
Louis: It's Merle and Willie, they're legends, and it's the best option here........Oh screw it they have no chance and it's sad...
WILL WIN
MARKUS: "Lonely Tonight" by Blake Shelton feat. Ashley Monroe
LOUIS: "Lonely Tonight" by Blake Shelton feat. Ashley Monroe
Markus: I think they'll reward Blake here, seeing as he was shutout everywhere else but Male Vocalist.
Louis: Again, they love Blake at these things. I've never been personally crazy about this song, but I guess there's worse options...
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS MEYER: Eric Church
LOUIS KNOEBEL: Garth Brooks
Markus: I think Church has made the most compelling music of the bunch, but I certainly wouldn't argue a Garth win here.
Louis: Garth wrote the book on touring, why shouldn't he win? He's the oldest one here and he still arguably puts on the best and most energetic show. If I had another vote, I'd go with Church since he also gives you your money's worth at a show.
WILL WIN
MARKUS MEYER: Luke Bryan
LOUIS KNOEBEL: Luke Bryan
Markus: Maybe Brooks pushes here, but I'll play it safe and go with Luke.
Louis: He's still the biggest thing in mainstream country music and hasn't slowed down. It could be tight between him and Garth, but I'm going with the safe choice.
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Chris Stapleton
LOUIS: Chris Stapleton
Markus: I would love, love, love a Stapleton, or even a Dierks win here. Both made interesting and excellent music within the eligibility period.
LOUIS: In terms of who actually has the best voice here, Stapleton wins hands down. There's no debating it. I really want Dierks to win something though, so I'm also quietly rooting for him as well.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Blake Shelton
LOUIS: Blake Shelton
Markus: I know better than to bet against Blake here.
LOUIS: With everything that has transpired with his life in the past months tied up with the fact that he's loved at these things anyway, this one almost seems guaranteed.
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Kacey Musgraves
LOUIS: Carrie Underwood
Markus: Kacey made quality music and was commercially relevant. Fairly easy pick here.
Louis: In terms of sheer vocal power Carrie has this down (although I love Lee Ann's voice as well). I'd like to vote for Kacey, but I honestly don't think she's given us her best yet.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Miranda Lambert
LOUIS: Miranda Lambert
Markus: Love the competition this year. Going with Lambert (again) but don't be surprised with a Carrie or Kacey victory here.
LOUIS: It's the same reason I gave for Blake. Any award that these two are up for is essentially guaranteed to be theirs.
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Zac Brown Band
LOUIS: Little Big Town
Markus: What an incredibly lame group of nominees. Zac Brown Band for absolutely no other reason than I want to see them win one. Even if they did sell out this year.
Louis: Wow, what an empty category... Lady A is on hiatus, Rascal Flatts are on the verge of irrelevancy, and The Band Perry and Zac Brown seem to think making Pop music is more fun. Little Big Town hasn't exactly been great lately either, but they were able to push a waltz up to the top five, so that's OK in my book.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Little Big Town
LOUIS: Little Big Town
Markus: Little Big Town with ease
Louis: As for who will win? Two words - Girl Crush.
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Maddie & Tae
LOUIS: Maddie & Tae
Markus: I would adore a Maddie & Tae win here. Country music would be well represented if they were victorious.
Louis: These gals have stood up for themselves, fought for THEIR country music, openly criticized the industry, and have provided leadership for females at a time when they need it the most. Why the hell shouldn't they win?
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Florida Georgia Line
LOUIS: Florida Georgia Line
Markus: Maybe next year Maddie & Tae.
Louis: Although the race is tighter than ever before, these guys are still too large to take down. Next year might be different, but for now I believe we'll have to settle for the same ol' same.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Chris Stapleton
LOUIS: Maddie & Tae
Markus: Killer pipes, top-notch production, substantial lyrics. Can't ask for any more than that.
Louis: Yes! Believe or not, this is one category where I'm pulling for someone other than Chris Stapleton. As I noted before, these ladies have had a tremendous impact on the genre, and have done a lot to fight for their rights as artists. That's an artist if you ask me.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Sam Hunt
LOUIS: Sam Hunt
Markus: Evolution!
Louis: Because evolution and stuff.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: Traveller, Chris Stapleton
LOUIS: Traveller, Chris Stapleton
Markus: Traveller is far and away the best of the five. Damn near perfection on all fronts.
Louis: If there's any award I really want Stapleton to win, it's this win. His album is by far and away the best here, and the more recognition it receives, the faster we could get a single from it to freakin' chart.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: Pageant Material, Kacey Musgraves
LOUIS: Pageant Material, Kacey Musgraves
Markus: I have a hard time seeing a scenario in which Musgraves' very solid sophomore effort doesn't win. Critical beast and commercial power house.
Louis: I feel like they'll go with the critical darling for this one. Not a bad choice if so.
SONG OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: "Like A Wrecking Ball" by Eric Church
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
Markus: Sure, it may be just a sex anthem, but "Like A Wrecking Ball" is bold, and it has character. Good enough for me.
Louis: Wow, what a horrible field this year... The song I don't dislike besides "Girl Crush" is "American Kids", but it's definitely not a song of the year type of song. Hey, even if you hate "Girl Crush" just think, it's the one award that Sam Hunt won't win. What's not to love about that?
WILL WIN
MARKUS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
Markus: "Girl Crush" will win. It will not be close.
Louis: *See above*
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: "Talladega" by Eric Church
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
Markus: "Talladega" was a huge hit, as well as simply a great song. One of Church's best efforts to-date.
Louis: It's the best song here IMO, and the biggest one at that. 'Nuff said.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
Markus: "Girl Crush" is better on paper than it is in recording, but this is as close to a lock as you'll find.
Louis: *See above*
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: "Girl In a Country Song" by Maddie & Tae
LOUIS: This video went above and beyond the call of duty and most certainly succeeded at delivering a message even though it's a silly song. They deserve this.
WILL WIN
MARKUS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
LOUIS: I've already said it....this will win everything.
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
SHOULD WIN
MARKUS: "Raise 'Em Up" by Keith Urban and Eric Church
LOUIS: Django and Jimmie by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson
Markus: I have to admit something... I actually haven't listened to Django and Jimmie yet. Because of that, I shall give my vote to the brilliant Keith Urban and Eric Church duet.
Louis: It's Merle and Willie, they're legends, and it's the best option here........Oh screw it they have no chance and it's sad...
WILL WIN
MARKUS: "Lonely Tonight" by Blake Shelton feat. Ashley Monroe
LOUIS: "Lonely Tonight" by Blake Shelton feat. Ashley Monroe
Markus: I think they'll reward Blake here, seeing as he was shutout everywhere else but Male Vocalist.
Louis: Again, they love Blake at these things. I've never been personally crazy about this song, but I guess there's worse options...