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Who should win this year’s CMA Awards

This year’s CMA Awards are due to be announced on November 11th. There are bound to be a few surprises, with unexpected winners or losers. We’ll share our best attempts at prediction with you next week, but first we thought we would let you all know not who we expect to win, but who we think should win, out of those nominated.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley: Chris, J.R. Journey, Meg, Occasional Hope, Razor X
• George Strait
• Taylor Swift
• Keith Urban

We’re unanimous on this category.
J.R.: Kenny Chesney has become boring and predictable in this category. It’s high time for a new winner, and I do think this year will be it. The strongest contenders are Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift. I would choose Brad Paisley. He had a strong album release, toured relentlessly, and is on a serious hot streak. Ten number-ones in a row, now isn’t it?
Chris: Kenny’s been too boring lately, and Brad deserves the win, with Taylor in second.
OH: It sounds like Brad puts on a great live show, and he’s been knocking at the door of this award for a while now. I think it’s Brad’s turn.
Meg: Though King George has his decade award, and Kenny’s not going to tour again next summer (some might say this should be his last year to get this one), I’d vote for Brad. He’s more country than Keith, has had great songs with some emotional depth, consistently great performances and he’s an amazing musician from his vocals to his guitar licks. It’s his turn. Taylor is certainly an entertainer, but obviously needs work on those live vocals! Can’t believe she’s nominated for this at this stage.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley: Chris, J.R. Journey, Meg
• Darius Rucker
• George Strait: Occasional Hope, Razor X
• Keith Urban

We’re divided between Brad and old favorite George Strait here:
J.R.: For all the reasons from the Entertainer race.
OH: George Strait is my favorite singer among the nominees, and although I disliked the single he released over the eligibility period, I wasn’t as sold on Paisley’s latest album as most people seem to be. Although I like Darius’s voice, his material has been largely underwhelming (especially the singles), and it’s a bit soon for a win in this category. Keith has moved too far away from country lately for me, and of course Kenny’s still stuck on that beach.
Meg: Though I do like Darius Rucker’s voice and he’s had a great year, it’s a little too soon for him to win this one. Dare I say it – Kenny’s wearing a bit thin due to oversaturation and not enough variety in my opinion. Again, I’d vote for Brad.