Will The CMA Awards Provide Some Surprises?

The CMA Awards put country music on full display tonight. It's a night that showcases what our format is all about right now. I used to think that the CMA's were a bit like the Grammy Awards. It wasn't all about who had the most hits on the radio. The CMA's would also reward creativity and taking chances. Are we in for a few surprises tonight? I sure hope so.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban.

Yes, I agree. There should be women included in the EOTY category. Why not Carrie? Or Miranda? That being said I think this is the year the Jason Aldean takes home the CMA. He was the face of country music this past year. He helped steer country music through an unspeakable tragedy and remains as popular as ever.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: From a Room: Volume 2, Chris Stapleton, Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves, Graffiti U, Keith Urban, Life Changes, Thomas Rhett, The Mountain, Dierks Bentley.

Please CMA's...give the award to Kacey Musgraves. Golden Hours is as beautiful an album as you'll hear all year regardless of genre. Do the right thing and give this award to the best album. I won't be shocked if Stapleton wins, again. And watch out for the sleeper Thomas Rhett.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban.

Stapleton has won this award three years in a row. Let's make it four, shall we?

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris.

Maren Morris continues her success from her debut album, plus had some crossover appeal. Kacey Musgraves has the best album of the year, but since 2006 this has been either a Carrie or Miranda award. Give me Carrie in 2018.

SINGLE OF THE YEAR: Broken Halos, Chris Stapleton, Drinkin' Problem, Midland, Drowns the Whiskey, Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert, Meant to Be, Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line, Tequilla, Dan and Shay.

Meant to Be by FGL and Bebe has been literally everywhere. It owns charts records and is the song to beat. But watch out for Dan and Shay. Tequila is my darkhorse.