Now on to the voting! Here are my picks for the winners in the 9 categories in our CMA Vote 2016 contest:
Entertainer Of The Year: Garth Brooks. He's had an incredible year, and you might say it's a sentimental favorite, but so be it!
Male Vocalist: Chris Stapleton. This guy can do no wrong.
Female Vocalist: Kelsea Ballerini. Taken country by storm, here's her reward.
Group Of The Year: Little Big Town. Stiff competition from Rascal Flatts and Old Dominion, but these guys are so well-loved in Nashville. If not them, then Old Dominion.
Duo Of The Year: How do you not give it to Florida Georgia Line? Maybe you give it to Joey + Rory out of respect for the loss of Joey Feek. Plus Dan + Shay have had a great year. This one I may be wrong on, we'll see.
New Artist: Kelsea Ballerini. All the nominees here have had a great year, and it's weird to see Cole Swindell in this category, but I just think Kelsea has created the most buzz.
Musical Event Of The Year: "You Are My Sunshine" - Morgan and Chris Stapleton. This is one of those categories that always has nominees in it that you've never heard of but made a big impact in Nashville. Chris Stapleton is just The Man these days, and he and his wife will take this one home.
Musician Of The Year: Most country music fans have no idea who these folks are, but they are the ones who really make the hits what they are. My choice: guitarist Brent Mason. As a musician myself, I'm just a huge fan.
Video Of The Year: Gotta give this one to Tim McGraw for "Humble and Kind". Awesome song, awesome video. He's a master.
OK, now it's your turn. Get over to our contest page and cast your vote. You could win 2 Reserved Seat passes to Country USA in Oshkosh next June! Here's the link.
