Entertainer of the Year
- Jason Aldean
- Garth Brooks
- Luke Bryan
- Chris Stapleton
- Keith Urban
Chris Stapleton has had an amazing year, selling out big arenas and owning the album charts, but I feel like Aldean will steal his thunder, no thanks to the Route 91 Harvest Festival tragedy.
Male Vocalist of the Year
- Jason Aldean
- Thomas Rhett
- Chris Stapleton
- Keith Urban
- Chris Young
When it comes to chops, Chris Stapleton is in a category all his own. He finally got the airplay to support his album sales with ‘Broken Halos’, and the industry loves him. He’s just edgy enough to stand out in a world of very poppy commercial country music.
Female Vocalist of the Year
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Miranda Lambert
- Reba McEntire
- Maren Morris
- Carrie Underwood
This is Kelsea’s year. Miranda and Carrie took the year off. Maren Morris released a pop single. I love Reba, but really? Why is she nominated? Kelsea had a monster year of hit singles and dominated the airwaves.
Vocal Duo of the Year
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Locash
- Florida Georgia Line
- Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
No question, Florida Georgia Line are the new Brooks & Dunn. They crossed over to pop airplay this year with ‘Meant To Be’ and continue to be a driving force in the country genre. FGL isn’t going anywhere for a while, and I’m fine with that.
Vocal Group of the Year
- Lady Antebellum
- LANCO
- Little Big Town
- Midland
- Old Dominion
Midland already won the New Vocal Group of the Year award, Old Dominion had a nice year as did newcomers LANCO, and Lady A just did their thing. It was Little Big Town who recorded Taylor Swift’s ‘Better Man’ and hit it out of the park, as they do in concert time after time. LBT FTW.
Album of the Year
- Breaker – Little Big Town
- California Sunrise – Jon Pardi
- From A Room Vol. 1 – Chris Stapleton
- Happy Endings – Old Dominion
- Life Changes – Thomas Rhett
Name another country artist since Garth Brooks who has had three of the top selling albums in Billboard’s top five other than Chris Stapleton. The others are a long shot compared to Stapleton. A sure bet.
Single Record of the Year
- “Better Man” – Little Big Town
- “Body Like A Back Road” – Sam Hunt
- “Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton
- “Drinkin’ Problem” – Midland
- “I’ll Name The Dogs” – Blake Shelton
Love or hate his poppy sound, Sam Hunt delivered one of the strongest singles to country radio this year, which also received crossover airplay. My favorite of the nominees is ‘Drinkin’ Problem’, but it’s Sam Hunt for the win.
Song of the Year
- “Body Like a Back Road” – Sam Hunt
- “Female” – Keith Urban
- “Tin Man” – Miranda Lambert
- “Whiskey And You” – Chris Stapleton
Considering where we are in American culture, the #metoo movement, and the political climate, Keith Urban’s celebration of women will win. This is about the SONG, not the single or airplay. The message in the music will bring this one home.
Video of the Year
- “Black” – Dierks Bentley
- “It Ain’t My Fault” – Brothers Osborne
- “Legends” – Kelsea Ballerini
- “Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett
- “We Should Be Friends” – Miranda Lambert
Dierks’ single was mediocre, but his videos are always impressive. This was such a visual masterpiece.
Songwriter of the Year
- Rhett Akins
- Ashley Gorley
- Hillary Lindsey
- Shane McAnally
- Josh Osborne
Shane is killin’ it. His name is on some of the biggest singles of the last decade, and this year he’s been a big part of country music’s current era of statement songs. A strong voice and lyrical genius behind some of the most important songs of the year such as ‘Female’, not to mention ‘Body Like a Back Road’ and ‘Drinkin’ Problem.” A no-brainer.
Vocal Event of the Year
- “Craving You” – Thomas Rhett Featuring Maren Morris
- “Dear Hate” – Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill
- “Funny (How Time Slips Away)” – Glen Campbell And Willie Nelson
- “The Fighter” – Keith Urban featuring Carrie Underwood
- “What Ifs” – Kane Brown Featuring Lauren Alaina
We lost Glen, Willie’s in poor health. This little-heard duet will be that surprise to many, but no surprise to others. This was a vocal EVENT, and one that will never happen again. I hope the ACM will give Glen and Willie their props.
