Here are my picks for the ACMs. . .
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Kane Brown
Morgan Wallen – although a bummer, cancelling a show, postponing a few shows, the security guard video(?), I think the dude deserves the award.
Female Artist of the Year
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Carly Pearce
Kelsea Ballerini
Lainey Wilson – she should really be going for entertainer of the year. She was on Yellowstone, she’s a spokesperson for Wrangler (HA!), and she’s doing a lot for country music.
Male Artist of the Year
Luke Combs
Kane Brown
Jordan Davis
Morgan Wallen
Chris Stapleton – y’all remember the Super Bowl National Anthem?
Single of the Year
“Heart Like a Truck” – Lainey Wilson
“Never Wanted to be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
“She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell
“Thank God” – Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown
“Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson – we’re going to hear this song for the next 100 years so it should win an award for this year.
Duo of the Year
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War & Treaty
Brooks and Dunn
Brothers Osborne – I was going to say B&D because they are getting back together but not sure that qualifies to win an award. Dan + Shay have been fairly quiet. The War & Treaty and Maddie & Tae have been making some noise but not sure if it as loud as Bros Oz. This could be a coin flip
Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Zac Brown Band
Old Dominion – I think these dudes are the only ones releasing music, touring, and doing the rounds but Midland has the cruise now. Kind of a big deal but my vote goes to Old D.
New Female Artist of the Year
Priscilla Block
Megan Moroney
Caitlyn Smith
Morgan Wade
Hailey Whitters – I like Hailey BUT I think Moroney is going to win.
New Male Artist of the Year
Zach Bryan
Jackson Dean
ERNEST
Dylan Scott
Nate Smith
Bailey Zimmerman – I like Zach Bryan but this dude will probably win it. He had two #1s in a quick time frame. I think he holds the record for quickest return to #1 after a debut single.
Song of the Year
“Sand In My Boots” – Morgan Wallen
“She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell
“‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
“You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton
“wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson – great songwriting and a great duet. This is country music.
Album of the Year
(probably the toughest category, I put them in order of my favorites)
Ashley McBryde Presents Lindeville – Ashley McBryde – a masterpiece. I don’t think most people can comprehend an album like Lindeville.
Palomino – Miranda Lambert –Miranda always throws down an incredible album. Every album of hers is great.
Bell Bottom Country – Lainey Wilson – this is good but tough to compete against Miranda. Her first album was great and I think she has a better grasp on making an album more than most.
Mr. Saturday Night – Jon Pardi – I was honestly surprised how good the album is. I had to listen to it a few times because there were so many good tracks and Pardi’s sound is great.
Growin’ Up – Luke Combs – his earlier stuff is better. I probably had high expectations on the album so it was a let down for me.