As we count down to the 2020 CMA Awards hosted by Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker – we’re laying out our CMA Award predictions. Let us know whether you agree or vehemently disagree…
This year, will doubtless be a CMA Awards like no other, as Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker host the show live from Nashville on the 11th November on ABC. Here, we break down our predictions and thoughts.
Entertainer of the Year
For the first time ever, two women are nominated for this year’s Entertainer of the Year Award, and after Carrie’s snub last year in favour of Garth Brooks, we’d love for this to go as a joint award. However, given the huge, record-breaking year that Luke Combs has had this year, it seems a foregone and well-deserved conclusion that he may just pip this one.
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Single of the Year
There’s been a huge amount of buzz around Miranda Lambert’s ‘Bluebird,’ however if radio success is anything to go by, Maren Morris’ ‘The Bones’ seems to have all roads leading to it winning this award this year.
“10,000 Hours,” Dan + Shay (with Justin Bieber); Dan Smyers, producer
“Beer Never Broke My Heart,” Luke Combs; Scott Moffatt, producer
“Bluebird,” Miranda Lambert; Jay Joyce, producer
“The Bones,” Maren Morris; Greg Kurstin, producer
“I Hope,” Gabby Barrett; Ross Cooperman, Zach Kale, producers
Album of the Year
This is a h-u-g-e year for records, with every album nominated in this category being a flawless, authentic and diverse approach to country music. Yet, again, given the success and the hype around his record that seems to have booted his career into the stratosphere, we’re putting our money again behind Luke Combs to win this award.
Heartache Medication, Jon Pardi; Bart Butler, Ryan Gore, Jon Pardi, producers
Never Will, Ashley McBryde; Jay Joyce, John Peets, producers
Old Dominion, Old Dominion; Shane McAnally, Old Dominion, producers
What You See Is What You Get, Luke Combs; Scott Moffatt, producers
Wildcard, Miranda Lambert; Jay Joyce, producer
Song of the Year
Some of our favourite tracks from this year have made it onto this list, but given the fandom behind it and the buzz – and those damn vocals – we’re putting our money behind Carly Pearce’s track ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’ that became a #1 hit.
“Bluebird” (Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert)
“The Bones” (Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz)
“Even Though I’m Leaving” (Luke Combs, Wyatt B. Durrette III, Ray Fulcher)
“I Hope You’re Happy Now” (Luke Combs, Randy Montana, Carly Pearce, Jonathan Singleton)
“More Hearts Than Mine” (Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis, Derrick Southerland)
Female Vocalist of the Year
This one always seems a tight run, but on vocals alone, Carrie takes our prize.
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist of the Year
Do we sound like a broken record yet? Luke Combs again takes our bet.
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Musical Event of the Year
“10,000 Hours,” Dan + Shay (with Justin Bieber); Dan Smyers, producer
“Be a Light,” Thomas Rhett featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban; Dann Huff, producer
“The Bones,” Maren Morris with Hozier; Greg Kurstin, producer
“Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” Miranda Lambert (feat. Maren Morris, Elle King, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes & Caylee Hammack); Jay Joyce, producer
“I Hope You’re Happy Now,” Carly Pearce and Lee Brice; busbee, producer
New Artist of the Year
Morgan Wallen may have taken our bet, but given all the controversy around his name of late, Pearce takes our vote.
Jimmie Allen
Ingrid Andress
Gabby Barrett
Carly Pearce
Morgan Wallen
