Turn the volume up, music-goers, because the 55th Annual CMA Awards is happening in just a few days! The highly-anticipated ceremony will honor this year’s most successful artists in country music.
Expect to see outstanding performances and unexpected collaborations throughout the star-studded night. Country music fans will witness Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, and several other chart-topping A-listers start the party at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. However, we encourage everyone watching from home to cross their fingers for their go-to artist because the best in the industry will be going head to head in competitive categories.
Entering the night with the most nominations are Eric Church and Chris Stapleton with five nominations, with our girl Gabby Barrett is closely trailing behind with four noms for her empowering anthems “I Hope” and “The Good Ones.” Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris, and Chris Young will also be rolling into the night with three.
With that being said, we wish everyone could receive the iconic accolade, but there is only one winner in each category. Therefore, the CS team studied up on their favorite stars, listened to each single/album on repeat – and now the 2021 official prediction list is ready for your eyes only. We are weighing in on this year’s nominees by sharing our thoughts on who we think will bring home an award during the live broadcast on Wednesday, November 10.
Let us know your predictions by dropping a comment below or by tweeting us at @celebsecrets.
Hosted by Luke Bryan, the 55th Annual CMA Awards air LIVE from the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 10th @ 8/7c on ABC.
The moment we've all been waiting for… congratulations to all of this year's #CMAawards nominees! ✨
Watch Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 8/7c on @ABCNetwork as winners are revealed LIVE on Country Music's Biggest Night! https://t.co/PymLma7xTd pic.twitter.com/jQIMdby2dF
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) September 9, 2021
Single of the Year
Nominees: Chris Young with Kane Brown (“Famous Friends”), Gabby Barrett (“The Good Ones”), Eric Church (“Hell of a View”), Ashley McBryde (“One Night Standards”), Chris Stapleton (“Starting Over”)
Who We Think Will Win: Chris Young and Kane Brown will be walking out of the Bridgestone Arena victorious, as “Famous Friends” is definitely set to win in this category! With over ten million views on YouTube alone, it is no surprise that this addicting track went platinum. The unique blend of their contagious sounds and the heartfelt theme makes “Famous Friends” a perfect homage to the significant individuals in their lives, that constantly leaves an ever-lasting impact on their community.
Vocal Group of the Year
Nominees: Lady A, Little Big Town, Midland, Old Dominion, Zac Brown Band
Who We Think Will Win: A little time, tequila and therapy may be the secret sauce to scoring an award like this, and for Old Dominion – Vocal Group of the Year is a title they know well. The group has held this coveted award time and time again since 2018. With the release of their latest album Time, Tequila & Therapy, being such a hit, we don’t see the group breaking their winning streak!
Musical Event of the Year
Nominees: Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan (“Buy Dirt”), Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris (“Chasing After You”), Elle King and Miranda Lambert (“Drunk [And I Don’t Wanna Go Home]”), Chris Young with Kane Brown (“Famous Friends”), Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney) (“Half of My Hometown”)
Who We Think Will Win: We have to place our bets on Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney for their performance of “Half of my Hometown.” The dynamic duo made country music dreams come true with their performance at the 56th Annual ACM Awards. Their unmatched vocals captivated audiences both then and now, making the musical event a shoo-in for this title.
Song of the Year
Nominees: Luke Combs (“Forever After All”), Gabby Barrett (“The Good Ones”), Eric Church (“Hell of a View”), Ashley McBryde (“One Night Standards”), Chris Stapleton (“Starting Over”)
Who We Think Will Win: Some songs may get old after a few listens, but Luke Combs’ work is one we really could listen to “Forever After All.” This sweet track stole the hearts of fans worldwide, as the song gives listeners a glimpse of Combs’ marriage to his wife, Nicole. Since its release, the ever-so-popular track has made waves, earning a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart and a certified Platinum title by the Recording Industry Association of America. We are confident this long-lasting jam will take the win not only at the CMA Awards but in our hearts for a long time to come!
Vocal Duo of the Year
Nominees: Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Maddie & Tae
Who We Think Will Win: Only “Good Things” are coming for iconic duo Dan + Shay. The duo had an outstanding year with the release of their new album Good Things and the revamp of their previously halted tour, The (Arena) Tour. Successes this year for Dan + Shay included their song “10,000 Hours,” reaching the title of “Top Streamed Country Song of 2021” on Spotify. The single also made history by achieving the highest first-week streaming record in country music ever, talk about a wow-worthy achievement! It is safe to say that this year belongs to this talented duo!
Album of the Year
Nominees: Carly Pearce (29), Morgan Wallen (Dangerous: The Double Album), Eric Church (Heart), Brothers Osborne (Skeletons), Chris Stapleton (Starting Over)
Who We Think Will Win: There were so many excellent albums nominated this year, but Chris Stapleton’s Starting Over is coming to take the win for Album of the Year! Stapleton released his fourth album on Nov. 13, and the record peaked at #1 on the Billboard top country album list. Since the release Starting over has stayed on the charts for 50 weeks, proving that this country legend is in the lead for this award.
New Artist of the Year
Nominees: Jimmie Allen, Ingrid Andress, Gabby Barrett, Mickey Guyton, Hardy
Who We Think Will Win: “I Hope” singer Gabby Barrett is set to win this category! With her debut album Goldmine earning over 15.98 million streams its first week, having around four million monthly listeners, and breaking the record for the most significant streaming week ever for a debut country album by a woman, Barrett is definitely one of “The Good Ones” that will go home with an award.
Music Video of the Year
Nominees: Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris (“Chasing After You”), Chris Young with Kane Brown (“Famous Friends”), Dierks Bentley (“Gone”), Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney) (“Half of My Hometown”), Brothers Osborne (“Younger Me”)
Who We Think Will Win: Beautiful vocals, dim lighting, and unmatched chemistry are the ingredients that make for an award-winning music video. With these unique elements in mind, we think Ryan Hurd and Marren Morris’ “Chasing After You” will take the win for Music Video of the Year. The video, partly shot in studio and partly at Nashville’s The Hermitage Hotel, gave fans intimacy, romance and passion. With over 10 million views on YouTube alone, we simply can’t get enough of the country couple! Check out the special video below!
Female Vocalist of the Year
Nominees: Gabby Barrett, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris, Carly Pearce
Who We Think Will Win: Maren Morris has had a fantastic year on the charts with her song “Chasing After You,” but she’s also given show-stopping performances at places like the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards to Brooklyn Bowl. Looking at the year, she’s had – our bets are on Maren Morris for this category.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Nominees: Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton
Who We Think Will Win:
It’s fair to say that after he had more than five songs in the Billboard top 100 in late 2020 till now, combined with his perfect tone and storytelling, “Forever After All” singer Luke Combs has this award in the bag.
https://twitter.com/lukecombs/status/1445558677826539526
Entertainer of the Year
Nominees: Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood
Who We Think Will Win: Luke Combs not only took over the charts this year, but he brought a lot of new music lovers to the country music scene with his energetic performances – but with his simplistic style, honest and relatable storytelling. With all the fan love he has received at shows and how he manages to stay connected with fans via social media – we believe Combs will score this title.
Written by Tiffany Goldstein, Kelly Gilmore and Gracie Lowes. For more Country news, visit CelebSecretsCountry.com.
