Picking the Winners

Some sure bets as country music hits Las Vegas for the 2007 ACMs

May 9, 2007

The 42nd ACM Awards are Tuesday night; there are some close calls and some slam dunk winners.

The 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be held next Tuesday. Fans can see the ceremonies live from Las Vegas on CBS television at 8pm.

This year, the nominees are HUGE names in not only country music, but the world of entertainment. It will be interesting to see the Nielsen ratings for the show, as cross-over stars such as Carrie Underwood and Rascall Flatts will get plenty of airtime during the 3-hour show.

So, who will win this year's awards? Let's break down the categories and look at it logically.

Vocal Event of the Year

*Building Bridges - opened the CMA Awards Show in November, and features Sheryl Crow, Brooks & Dunn, and Vince Gill, the end result was a Top 5 song, and the odds on favorite for an ACM Award.

I Don't Want To - Ashley Monroe gets her first ACM nomination, but not the award.

Me and God - Josh Turner could be the dark horse here, as his single featured the help of Dr. Ralph Stanley and Marty Roe, Dana Williams and Gene Johnson of Diamond Rio.

Politically Uncorrect - This Merle Haggard and Gretchen Wilson collaboration seemed like it was going to make a big splash, but listeners weren't impressed.

That's How They Do It In Dixie - The rowdy bunch of Hank Williams Jr., Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich, and Van Zant stirred up some southern pride, but we've heard it all before.

Video of the Year

*8th of November - They debuted this song of the ACM's last year, and with the addition of Kris Kristofferson to the project, Big & Rich have the best shot at the prize.

Amarillo Sky - A true farmer's tale, but Jason Aldean's video isn't award-worthy.

Before He Cheats - If the fans voted, this would win, but they don't, and this is the only award Carrie Underwood might not win.

Hillbilly Deluxe - Brooks & Dunn show their energy, but this seems like just a category filler.

Seashores of Old Mexico - George Strait rarely shoots any videos, so it's nice that he's nominated, but the tale of the gringo south of the border will bow out to the competition.

Song of the Year (writers)

Amarillo Sky - nice song, bad year to be nominated

*Before He Cheats - Only Rodney Atkins can stand in her way, but she will probably overcome him.

Give It Away - great song, but probably ranks third on this list

If You're Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows) - If Carrie Underwood's song doesn't win this award, this song should.

Would You Go With Me - Josh Turner's #1 hit has the most unique sound of the bunch, if that even means anything to the judges.

Single of the Year (singers)

*Before He Cheats - The Carrie Underwood 3-hour infomercial will continue.

Give It Away - George's delivery of the song should get this one consideration, maybe a dark horse.

I Loved Her First - Heartland's ballad is still at least fourth on the list

What Hurts The Most - This could win and probably is the only other possibility besides Carrie.

Would You Go With Me - The competition is stacked!

Album of the Year

Hillbilly Deluxe - Brooks & Dunn - nope

It Just Comes Natural - George Strait has 8 nominations, if he's going to win one, this is it, but it probably won't happen.

Me and My Gang - toss a coin, heads the Flatts win

*Some Hearts - tails Carrie wins

These Days - Vince Gill - probably a Grammy winner, but not an ACM winner.

Top New Duo or Vocal Group

Heartland - One big song, nothing else since

Little Big Town - Bet on them to place

*The Wreckers - Leave The Pieces hit Number 1, and their follow up also went Top 10, give them the hardware.

Top New Female Vocalist

Miranda Lambert - Close call, but she probably loses out

Kellie Pickler - she the most recognized name on the list, but she shouldn't win

*Taylor Swift - Another one of this teenager's dreams will probably come true on Tuesday.

Top New Male Vocalist

*Rodney Atkins - stop right there, he's you're winner

Craig Morgan - good guy, good songs, not going to win

Chris Young - nice to see a Nashville Star winner make the cut

Top Vocal Duo

Big & Rich - haven't taken that next step that puts them at the star level this award requires

Brooks & Dunn - could they actually lose this year? This is a must-see moment.

Montgomery Gentry - overshadowed this year.

*Sugarland- that's right, Sugarland will finally end Brooks & Dunn's streak of dominating this category.

The Wreckers - they will still be celebrating their other win.

Top Vocal Group

Diamond Rio - not enough new stuff this year

Emerson Drive - they might have their 'Moment,' but not this year

Little Big Town - no shot

Lonestar - sadly this could be one of the last times we see the band together, if they attend the awards show.

*Rascall Flatts - should win, will win, no secrets here.

Top Female Vocalist

Sara Evans - will she ever win this award?

Faith Hill - she's back, but not strong enough for this award

Miranda Lambert - should be thrilled to be nominated

Martina McBride - would be the back-up winner, if there were such a thing

*Carrie Underwood - the CMA win in November was a bit of a surprise, but this one is a slam dunk

Top Male Vocalist

Kenny Chesney - could win, but the academy might overlook him and grant him the biggest prize

*Brad Paisley - it's about time he won this category, this year looks like the year

Toby Keith - can't see it happeing

George Strait - would be shocking, given the competition.

Keith Urban - Turbulent year for the Aussie will hamper his chances.

Entertainer of the Year

*Kenny Chesney - deserves this win with his summer concerts and other sold-out shows

Brooks & Dunn - probably not this year

Tim McGraw - did they nominate him just to put his name on the billing?

Rascall Flatts - could ruin Kenny Chesney's moment, and not too many would be surprised

George Strait - if a guy can only do 20-25 shows and still win this award, he really is superman!

Come next week, Suite 101 will have all the winners and reactions to the awards.