2016 ACM Awards Nominees, Preview, & Predictions
NOTE: This story has been updated with the later-announced Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year nominees (see bottom).
Monday morning (2-1), the nominees for the 51st Annual Academy of Country Music, or ACM Awards were revealed via CBS The Morning and ETOnline.com. The 2016 ACM awards will occur on April 3rd at the MGM Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas, and will be broadcast on CBS. Dierks Bentley, who will help host the event with Luke Bryan, also helped reveal the nominees Monday morning.
Eric Church and Chris Stapleton lead all nominees with five each. And for the first time in a while, the ACM’s have broken down the New Artist categories by Male, Female, and Duo/Group. For some dumb reason, nominees for Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year were not disclosed, and we were only teased that they would be revealed “in the coming weeks.” So there’s that.
Major takeaways from the nominations are that it sets up to be another stellar day for Chris Stapleton, Eric Church could have a big night, and some newcomers like Maddie & Tae could also be big winners. Also interesting to note that there’s no country legends represented anywhere in the nominations (unless you want to consider Garth one), not even for Video or Vocal Event where they usually stash them. Blake Shelton got snubbed completely, and Joey + Rory were surprised with a nomination.
Find knee-jerk reactions and predictions below.
Entertainer of the Year
Shake your little fists, but this is Luke’s to lose.
” Jason Aldean
” Garth Brooks
” Luke Bryan – Winner
” Eric Church
” Miranda Lambert
Album of the Year
Chris Young? Please. Someone’s label is hustling behind-the-scenes. Very cool to see Eric Church’s “Mr. Misundersood” get some love after being generally overlooked by much of the industry. It has an outside chance, but once again it appears Chris Stapleton and Sam Hunt will be pitted against each other. And with the lack of the industry willing to get behind Sam Hunt at the CMA’s for his un-contryness, Chris stands to be considered the front-runner here in a field full of newer and 2nd tier talent. No females?
” I’m Comin’ Over Chris Young
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
Record Label: RCA Records
” Montevallo Sam Hunt
Producers: Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally
Record Label: MCA Nashville
” Mr. Misunderstood Eric Church
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: EMI Records Nashville
” Tangled Up Thomas Rhett
Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure, Chris DeStefano, Joe London
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.
” Traveller Chris Stapleton – Winner
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Record Label: Mercury Records
Female Vocalist of the Year
This is Miranda Lambert’s to lose, mostly because she hasn’t lost in the better part of a decade. But Carrie Underwood had a very strong year this year. Maybe 2016 is when Miranda gets dethroned. At some point there has to be a push to stop handing this over to Miranda year after year. The others have no chance.
” Kelsea Ballerini
” Jana Kramer
” Miranda Lambert – Winner
” Kacey Musgraves
” Carrie Underwood – Potential Winner
Male Vocalist of the Year
Very interesting field here. Mark Dierks and Brett Eldredge out of the picture immediately. If it’s like the CMA’s and voters just can’t help themselves and vote for who they actually think deserves it, Chris Stapleton is a shoe-in. But a push by labels could see Eric Church or Jason Aldean rise up. NOTE: No Blake Shelton.
” Jason Aldean – Potential Winner
” Dierks Bentley
” Eric Church – Potential Winner
” Brett Eldredge
” Chris Stapleton – Winner
Vocal Duo of the Year
Very cool to see Joey + Rory here. Don’t leave it out of the realm of possibility that a sympathy vote may push them over the top. Remember it was the ACM’s who rewarded Joey + Rory with trophies for Vocal Duo in the past. But taking the possibility of a sympathy vote out, it’s down to two who both happen to be Big Machine artists. Normally you’d say it’s Florida Georgia Line’s to lose, but Maddie & Tae could rear up to snatch it with the move to girl power, and the blacksliding of Florida Georgia Line recently. This one will be very interesting.
” Brothers Osborne
” Dan + Shay
” Florida Georgia Line – Potential Winner
” Joey + Rory – Potential Winner
” Maddie & Tae – Potential Winner
Vocal Group of the Year
Little Big Town. Everyone else stay home. Especially Old Dominion because they’re awful. You see a nomination field like this and it really puts into perspective how far country music has fallen.
” Eli Young Band
” Little Big Town – WINNER
” Old Dominion
” Rascal Flatts
” Zac Brown Band
Single Record of the Year
Hypothetically this is supposed to be the big blockbuster commercial success, while Song of the Year (which hasn’t been announced yet) is supposed to be for the critical darlings. But I’m not sure if anyone’s adhering to that anymore. These two awards need some scene control. That said, “Burning House” and “Girl Crush” are your front runners, with Thomas Rhett as a dark horse. “Girl Crush” has been so incredibly decorated, there may be a push to give it to “Burning House,” which also enjoys a large amount of consensus.
” “Burning House” Cam – Potential Winner
Producers: Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson, Camaron Ochs
Record Labels: Arista Nashville, RCA Records, Kravenworks
” “Buy Me A Boat” Chris Janson
Producers: Brent Anderson, Chris DuBois, Chris Janson
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
” “Die A Happy Man” Thomas Rhett
Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.
” “Girl Crush” Little Big Town – Potential Winner
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
” “I’m Comin’ Over” Chris Young
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
Record Label: RCA Nashville
” “Take Your Time” Sam Hunt
Producers: Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally
Record Label: MCA Nashville
Vocal Event of the Year
This is always a throwaway category, though it’s also the excuse the ACM’s and CMA’s use to nominate legends for something. But this has got to be the most godawful selections of collaborations assembled. It’s almost like they were purposefully looking for the worst collaborations. It’s like when a high school class nominates the nerd for Most Popular. Yay for Grace Potter, but beyond that I hope the world dies before any of these songs win anything. “Hangover Tonight” was the coffin nail in Gary Allan’s career for crying out loud.
” “Hangover Tonight” Gary Allan Featuring Chris Stapleton
Producers: Gary Allan, Greg Droman
Record Label: MCA Nashville
” “Home Alone Tonight” Luke Bryan Featuring Karen Fairchild
Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens
Record Label: Capitol Nashville
” “Raise ‘Em Up” Keith Urban Featuring Eric Church
Producers: Nathan Chapman, Keith Urban
Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Nashville
” “Smokin’ and Drinkin’” Miranda Lambert Featuring Little Big Town
Producers: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville
” “Wild Child” Kenny Chesney With Grace Potter
Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Record Labels: Blue Chair Records, Columbia Nashville
New Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris Stapleton’s your front runner, but Thomas Rhett could give him some stiff competition. Since the ACM’s are more horse traded than even the CMA’s, if folks think Stapleton will win some of the big awards, they might want to leave this one for Rhett.
” Brett Eldredge
” Chris Janson
” Thomas Rhett – Potential Winner
” Chase Rice
” Chris Stapleton – Potential Winner
New Female Vocalist of the Year
Why are there only four artists in this category ACM’s? All the effort to emphasize young female artists, and this is the sole category to get short changed? Think outside the box people. Kelsea wins it running away.
” Kelsea Ballerini – Winner
” Cam
” Mickey Guyton
” RaeLynn
New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year
Maddie & Tae will take this. Notice there’s not a lot of Big Machine Records represented here. That will give Big Machine a lot of leverage to walk away with the few categories they are contending in. Brothers Osborne as a Dark Horse.
” A Thousand Horses
” Brothers Osborne
” Maddie & Tae – Winner
” Old Dominion
” Parmalee
Video of the Year
A surprisingly strong field that could break either way. “Riser” would get the sentimental vote. “Mr. Misunderstood,” and “Burning House” will get the critical vote. I don’t even remember the video for “Girl Crush” but with the hype behind that song, it has to be considered a contender. And Kacey turned heads with her hot dress and campy production. We’ll see.
” “Biscuits” Kacey Musgraves
Director: Mark Klasfeld
Producer: Nicole Acacio
” “Burning House” Cam
Director: Trey Fanjoy
Producer: Trent Hardville
” “Girl Crush” Little Big Town
Directors: Karla Welch, Matthew Welch
Producer: Amanda Prunesti
” “Mr. Misunderstood” Eric Church
Directors: Reid Long, John Peets
Producer: Megan Smith
” “Riser” Dierks Bentley
Director: Wes Edwards
Producer: Jennifer Rothlein
Song of the Year
Since “Girl Crush” has been winning virtually everything it’s been nominated for, it has to be a frontrunner choice even though by April it will feel even more old hat than it does now. “Burning House” would not be a bad choice either, though it may be a little to early to be giving Cam Song of the Year accolades. Chris Stapleton is not a serious contender here, and “Raise ‘Em Up” is laughable. “She Don’t Love You” should win, but it would have to come from behind to do it.
” Burning House Cam
Songwriters: Jeffrey Bhasker, Tyler Johnson, Cam
Publishers: Marvelous Oaks Records (ASCAP), Creative Pulse Music (BMI), One Year Yesterday Publishing (BMI), Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI), These Are Pulse Songs (BMI), Way Above Music (BMI)
” Girl Crush Little Big Town – WINNER
Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose
Publishers: HillarodyRathbone Music (ASCAP), Hoodie Songs (BMI), Songs of Crazy Girl Music (BMI), Songs of Universal Inc (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
” Nobody To Blame Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Barry Bales, Ronnie Bowman
Publishers: House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), WB Music Corp (ASCAP), Quackhead Music (BMI), RayLynn Publishing (BMI)
” Raise ‘Em Up Keith Urban Featuring Eric Church
Songwriters: Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, Jeffrey Steele
Publishers: Jeffrey Steele Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), TomDouglasMusic (BMI), Sony/ATV Harmony (ASCAP), Texa Rae Music (ASCAP)
” She Don’t Love You Eric Paslay
Songwriters: Eric Paslay, Jennifer Wayne
Publishers: Five Stone Publishing (ASCAP), Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP), Songwriters of Platinum Pen Publishing (BMI)
Songwriter of the Year
So now we’re going to start nominating these “producers as songwriters” for awards now, huh Ross Cooperman? This is Shane McAnally’s to lose.
” Rodney Clawson
” Ross Copperman
” Ashley Gorley
” Shane McAnally – WINNER
” Josh Osborne
Jen
February 1, 2016 @ 9:47 am
I love KC, but Raise ’em Up is going to win, and if LB wins EOTY, then it’s fixed, because that award belongs to EC!
Dane
February 1, 2016 @ 9:49 am
Trigger- Don’t count Eldredge out of the running for Male Vocals. Just sayin.
Trigger
February 1, 2016 @ 10:12 am
Not a chance. Of course, I said that about Stapleton at the CMA’s. 🙂
Ethan
February 1, 2016 @ 9:54 am
I don’t see how they can ignore what Garth has done on this tour. Sure he’s 53 but he still blows everyone out of the water. If you’ve been to any of his shows, you know there isn’t any better entertainer around.
Jack Williams
February 1, 2016 @ 10:14 am
Well, since you brought it up…
I’m not really a Garth fan, but I like some of his songs. My wife, two daughters, sister-in-law, niece and mother-in-law had tickets for the 1/22 show in Baltimore that was postponed because of the blizzard to yesterday. My niece had a basketball game with a bitter rival and didn’t want to miss it, so I got to go see the Garth show and came away very, very impressed with him as an entertainer and the personal way he interacted with the crowd. And damn, he is beloved. I would happily go with my wife if she ever wanted to go see him again.
Stringbuzz
February 1, 2016 @ 11:33 am
I saw Garth in Boston, I was out of the garden in less than two hours to make way for his second show that nite. he was good. I love garth.
I saw Eric Church at the Garden.. Completely sold out people on their feet the entire time and he played 3 hours.
2 shows a nite to me seems like your in it for the ticket sales..
there is no way Church could play two shows like he put on in one nite.. Just no way.
Coop
February 1, 2016 @ 3:21 pm
Or, he understands that he has an inconceivable mass of fans, most of who won’t get to see him even with the two shows. The man is popular worldwide and across all demographics. I don’t think Garth needs the money (this is based purely on the fact that he has sold more albums than everyone short of the Beatles, and having driven the perimeter of his ranch outside Yukon). I truly believe he is motivated for those two shows by the sheer number of fans that he has, and understands that even with two shows, everyone who wants to will not be able to see him.
Matt B.
February 2, 2016 @ 5:06 pm
Nope. Wrong narrative. Garth gives his all like EC. The STANIMA he puts in is amazing. Two shows a night is tough for a comedian, let alone a singer like Garth. He’s not gouging tickets. In fact he tells fans the entire price for a ticket (including how much fees are charged). He doesn’t overcharge for his merch (within reason) and knows his fans want to see him. Tell me another artist in country music who could do that many shows and honestly, every show would SELL OUT if he only had one or two shows per city. He’d sell out stadiums if he did a stadium tour (which I expect him to do with his tour after this one).
Garth retired in the prime of his career to raise his children with his ex wife. That’s not the kind of person who is “in it for the money” (even if he definitely likes sales records and such and re-selling his music in many configurations).
Nate
February 1, 2016 @ 9:56 am
Good set of prognostications, Trig! Hard to argue with any of your predictions. Though I do have to mention that I disagree with your assessment that “Hangover Tonight” was the nail in the coffin of Gary Allan’s career. Maybe I’m naive, but I think, or at least I hope, that Allan learned from the mistake. He did mention in a relatively recent interview that his future albums are gonna re-explore a lot of his roots. Hopefully the lack of success of “Hangover Tonight” will make him see that though he may not receive radio play anymore, he can get back to releasing albums that will satisfy his fans, like he’s done for the majority of his career. At his best, I honestly believe Allan is one of the better artists to ever come out of Nashville. As his commercial career comes to a close, perhaps we’ll see him recording stellar, compelling albums again.
Trigger
February 1, 2016 @ 10:16 am
I totally agree Alan can be good. But his new album was supposed to be released last summer, and there’s no word on when it might be, just like all the other artists in MCA Nashville limbo hell. If you don’t release new music, especially in the mainstream, folks tend to forget about you. Look at Clint Black. I hope Gary Allan can recover, but right now, “Hangover Tonight” is his death nell, NOT an award contender.
Kale
February 1, 2016 @ 10:00 am
Dierks isn’t $hitty enough to work with Luke.
JC Eldredge
February 1, 2016 @ 10:00 am
Why in the HELL is that God Awful Buy Me A Boat song nominated for anything??? And Eli Young Band??? Come on. If they needed a filler group, stick in Alabama or even The Oakridge Boys. They would be more believable.
Trigger
February 1, 2016 @ 10:17 am
Such a give up putting Eli Young Band on there. They crashed their career with a bad EP and single similar to Gary Allan.
Sauron the Deceiver
February 1, 2016 @ 10:24 am
What’s the time window in which albums and songs have to be released to be eligible for a nomination?
Brandon F
February 1, 2016 @ 10:27 am
I’m interested to see if Brothers Osborne can pull off Vocal Duo and new Vocal Duo or Group since they recently released an album and Stay a Little Longer got them their first #1 single last week.
Derek E. Sullivan
February 1, 2016 @ 11:39 am
If Brothers Osborne doesn’t win this they will win next. A great album. I just have a feeling they are going to have a huge 2016.
Justin Casey
February 1, 2016 @ 1:37 pm
I really hope they win new artist saw them and jon pardi in Houston last weekend and brothers Osborne blew me away their show was so good
WBK
February 1, 2016 @ 1:59 pm
I’ve got a feeling that with FGL declining, Vocal Duo of the Year could become a contest between Maddie and Tae and Brothers Osborne in the coming years, both in the ACMs and CMAs. Loving Brothers Osborne, hope they take off.
Amanda
February 1, 2016 @ 10:32 am
Not sure if this was noted anywhere, but the Academy decided to do away with the fan votes in the Entertainer and New Artist categories this year. Previously, they allowed fans to vote and that counted for a percentage in determining the final winner. A recent article (in Billboard, maybe?) with the show”™s producer mentioned that too many artists were complaining about other acts heavy campaigns with promoted tweets and rallying to get other artists to help promote them. I”™m interested to see how that affects this year”™s show.
My initial thoughts:
Entertainer ”“ Historically, the ACM”™s love Garth. Even in his retirement, he played or presented on several occasions. I imagine him as the front runner, even though Luke Bryan is on such a streak. I”™m disappointed that Kenny Chesney isn”™t nominated.
Album ”“ Surprised not to see the latest efforts from Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, or Kacey Musgraves listed. Not that I think they all should be nominated, but just an interesting omission. I adore Chris Stapleton and I”™m insanely happy for his success, but I feel like Eric Church released the best album of his career and is going to miss out on all these big awards because of “Traveller.” It”™s a good problem to have when great art is represented, though!
Vocal Group ”“ Can we just get an amen for no Lady Antebellum in this category? And look how fast The Band Perry plummeted. Just two years ago they walked away with this trophy and they can”™t even score a nod.
Single Record ”“ Imagine what would happen if Chris Janson won this award”¦Bobby Bones would probably walk up to the podium thinking he won, too.
New Male ”“ I”™m so over Brett Eledredge, and Thomas Rhett being nominated for new artist categories at all these shows. They”™ve had a lock on them for a few years now, and Brett”™s already got the CMA for new artist in 2013. Would”™ve been nice to see other talent like Jon Pardi etc. nominated.
Video ”“ “Girl Crush” is just the band singing in front on the camera. Unless I missed something? But there are definitely other more deserving clips than this.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
February 1, 2016 @ 10:41 am
Stapleton will have a huge night, and I expect Eric Church’s surprise album will bounce him to victory over Luke Bryan.
I think FGL is past their peak unless they do something to stay relevant, but Maddie and Tae aren’t deserving, so that’s just a bad field all around. Honestly I’d rather see the fGL guys win, because at least they aren’t a blatant marketing trojan horse perpetrated on Country Music.
Mr. Misunderstood will win video, I bet.
JC Eldredge
February 1, 2016 @ 11:08 am
OMG. I think I might love you for saying that about Maddie and Tae. I have honestly given them a dozen chances, because everyone keeps telling me how much I should like them, but I just can’t get on board. I tried to chalk it up to the fact that I am almost 40 and maybe just can’t relate to teenagers, but in the dark space in my brain, I’ve always felt like they were cherry picked and thrust into the spotlight just for the purpose of being the anti FGL. I’m not saying that they are bad singers, but that obviously contrived Girl In A Country Song was launched with all of this faux bra burning bravado that was never backed up by them, yet they were (and still are) being praised as if it was.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
February 1, 2016 @ 11:24 am
Amen brother! Maddie and Tae are talented people, but their career is the same as Cole Swindell’s. they just walked into Scott Borchetta’s office and he manufactured them by publicizing “Girl in a Country Song.” It was the most epic case of pulling the wool over people’s eyes since calling Sam Hunt a Country artist, but so many people, even on here don’t see it. I’m 21, for what it’s worth.
Derek E. Sullivan
February 1, 2016 @ 11:42 am
If you haven’t already, you need to give Pawn Shop a listen. Great album, very original. I hope they can win the category, but I’m thinking Brothers Osborne is a year away.
Donny
February 1, 2016 @ 10:59 am
That vocal group of the year category is an absolute gongshow. Hard to pick a winner out of all that garbage. Shows how bad country music is at the moment.
lisa
February 1, 2016 @ 11:01 am
I’m really crossing my fingers for Eric Church to win EOTY! I saw him last year, and (I AM a fan-girl!) I really think he deserves it, well above the other nominees. When you use the word “ENTERTAINER” – that is what he is. He goes all out for his fans, looks for ways to make his shows different every time, and puts more thought into making music that you can tell rings true to him. I know it will probably go to Luke because thats how it goes (or maybe Miranda?) but I am really hoping for Eric Church this time around!
Stringbuzz
February 1, 2016 @ 11:36 am
Amen. I’ve never been to a sold out arena concert that felt so intimate. Church was taking requests from the audience.
Unreal.
I’ve seen a thousand concerts in my life. it comes down to personal favorites with me, but Church puts on a show as good as anyone.
lisa
February 1, 2016 @ 12:43 pm
You went to the one in Boston last April?? (Saw your earlier post) – that’s the one I was at as well. I’ve always been a Kenny fan, but seeing him – and then Kenny at Gillette in August made me NOT want to see Kenny anymore. Gillette is too much of a shit show. And I’m 31, and have seen him put on the SAME show since I was 18. To see someone who was clearly trying to change things up, and make not only each TOUR different, but each NIGHT different, really impressed me.
Stringbuzz
February 1, 2016 @ 12:57 pm
me and my wife started following church. The way he spread his shows out in the area, made us do it. Also the kid is grown up now.. Went to Manchester, NH and then Mohegan Sun in CT. We had a couple days off and it just worked out that way. LOL
Then he came a couple months later to Albany, NY. We took another long weekend, went to that show, and had a good time. Then he came to Boston in April.. We were there and that show was f’in spectacular. I’ve a friend who works in Boston, decided to come. He did even know who EC was.. The show completely blew him away and he goes to a lot of shows.. Then in the summer time, I have a camp outside of Bangor, ME. EC played in Bangor (One of the best places to see a show, saw Kenny there too, screw the 60K people in Gillette, Bangor has like 11K and is downtown next to a casino!! $40).. Every EC show was different.. Different set lists,etc. Obviously some songs are played every show, but every show was different.. He is such a pro now and treats his fans well.. Then his openers: I saw him with Dwight Yoakam, Brandy Clark, Chris Stapleton, Drive By Truckers, and the Lone Bellow..
Amanda
February 1, 2016 @ 11:31 am
Here are my thoughts:
Entertainer of the Year: Luke Bryan will win, unfortunately. Would love to see Miranda, Garth, or Eric win.
Album of the Year: Chris Stapleton is deserving, so is Eric Church.
Female Vocalist: No offense to Miranda, she’s awesome, but I think it’s time for someone else to win. I would love to see either Carrie Underwood or Kacey Musgraves win. Also, very cool to see Jana Kramer nominated.
Male Vocalist: Chris Stapleton or Eric Church would be very deserving. Dierks Bentley isn’t bad either, though.
Vocal Duo: Would love to see Maddie and Tae get this. Joey + Rory would be great too. Getting kinda sick of seeing the Florida Georgia Line goofballs win this, even though their stupidity is somewhat of a comic relief. This category should be interesting.
Vocal Group: Little Big Town, no competition. And Old Dominion? Really? Why not use Lady Antebellum as filler (although they are taking a bit of a breather) or Parmalee (even if they are extremely generic, they’re still better than Old Dominion)?
Single: “Burning House” should win.
Vocal Event: Good for Gary Allan and Chris Stapleton, but this song commercially flopped so they don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell at winning. Also good for Eric Church, but Raise Em Up was a 5.5 out of 10 in my opinion. I’m pulling for Gary and Chris, but otherwise, meh.
New Male Vocalist: Chris Stapleton, the only one deserving of the award.
New Female Vocalist: So very cool to see the amazing Mickey Guyton nominated here. In my opinion, “Better Than You Left Me” was by far the best mainstream single of 2015, and “Why Baby Why” was the best overall song of 2015. Would love to see either her or Cam win this. And one huge complaint: why not nominate Ashley Monroe instead of the cringe-inducing RaeLynn? RaeLynn, ew. 🙁 (I hate God Made Girls, that is a terrible song and an offensive song at that. God didn’t make girls to wear pretty skirts and flirt and be submissive to the guys. He made girls to be teachers, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, musicians, nurses, mothers, and general badasses. A woman can do anything she sets her mind to. Sorry for the long tangent. 🙂 )I do not care for her, but in think Kelsea Ballerini will win this.
New duo or group: Should be Maddie and Tae or Brothers Osborne.
Video: would love to see Kacey Musgraves win this. She’s fucking awesome 🙂
Gena R.
February 1, 2016 @ 2:30 pm
“And one huge complaint: why not nominate Ashley Monroe instead of the cringe-inducing RaeLynn?”
Exactly! :p
Also, nothing for Ashley — not even Best Video for “Bombshell”? 🙁
Amanda
February 1, 2016 @ 2:46 pm
Ashley is amazing. For sure one of my favorite singers out there right now. She and Kacey Musgraves and Mickey Guyton are all incredible and deserve the recognition.
Gena R.
February 1, 2016 @ 6:48 pm
Oh yeah, I was glad to see Kacey and Mickey got nods. 🙂
Amanda
February 2, 2016 @ 9:56 am
I can’t wait for Mickey’s album, whenever it is released. Her EP was great, only complaint I have is that it just wasn’t enough. 🙂
Applejack
February 2, 2016 @ 10:08 am
Wow, you’re right. Ashley didn’t get nominated for squat. I didn’t even think about it, since she gets ignored so frequently.
In my opinion, the lack of recognition for Ashley Monroe is one of the dumbest and most disappointing things about mainstream country music at the moment. It’s shameful, really.
Anthony
February 1, 2016 @ 11:35 am
Funny how Blake all of a sudden disappears from the ballots. I like Eric and Carrie for Male and Female and thats how I thought it should have went last year to be honest. Pretty remarkable that Brett is in the big leagues now haha, talk about a push, especially above Keith Urban. I would be happy to see Maddie and Tae take the Duo category but I honestly think Brothers Osborne are going to take it over going forward after this depending on how Maddie and Tae contend with them. FGL’s backs are against the wall. P.S – I don’t know why Pawn Shop still has not been reviewed.
Trigger
February 1, 2016 @ 2:52 pm
Blake should have never been on them to begin with, especially in the last couple of years when his obligations to “The Voice” have pretty much made him a country artist in name only. He rarely tours, which is a big factor in these industry awards, and his albums don’t sell well compared to peers. And we know he can’t carry awards from his critical reception. But it is interesting how quickly he seems to have been shunned here.
Stringbuzz
February 1, 2016 @ 11:42 am
I love Traveller and Mr Misunderstood as albums.
I have to say, Traveller has gotten less and less air time from me and I’m back to listening to more Sturgil and Isbell again.
The Church album has been constant with me, my friends, and my wife.. Hasn’t gotten worn yet.
I doubt he wins, but I wouldn’t object.
Stringbuzz
February 1, 2016 @ 11:42 am
I love Traveller and Mr Misunderstood as albums.
I have to say, Traveller has gotten less and less air time from me and I’m back to listening to more Sturgil and Isbell again.
The Church album has been constant with me, my friends, and my wife.. Hasn’t gotten worn yet.
I doubt he wins, but I wouldn’t object.
Stringbuzz
February 1, 2016 @ 11:42 am
I love Traveller and Mr Misunderstood as albums.
I have to say, Traveller has gotten less and less air time from me and I’m back to listening to more Sturgil and Isbell again.
The Church album has been constant with me, my friends, and my wife.. Hasn’t gotten worn yet.
I doubt he wins, but I wouldn’t object.
ElectricOutcast
February 1, 2016 @ 12:35 pm
Would rather have Garth or Eric win ETOY this year but I’m not holding my breath nor do I plan to vote for them because I know I’m in the minority compared to the mainstream.
I already have Chris’s “Traveler” album but to be honest I don’t consider it my favorite album of 2015 I’m giving that honor to Hold My Beer Vol. 1 but I do hope “Traveler” wins and since a lot of you are liking Eric Church’s album I might get it down the road.
Finally “NOTE: No Blake Shelton.” that is the epitome of fucked up.
Smokey J.
February 1, 2016 @ 1:03 pm
At this point, I just assume that Stapleton and Little Big Town will win anything they are nominated for.
It’s an all around underwhelming list of nominees, for the most part. The mention of Brett Eldredge and Chris Young puts me to sleep from boredom.
The Vocal Group and New Female Vocalist categories are just sad.
PETE MARSHALL
February 1, 2016 @ 1:30 pm
I have two questions: Why they consider “Hangover Tonight” a duet? Does anyone like the song “Smokin’ and Drinkin” by Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town?
Trigger
February 1, 2016 @ 2:54 pm
“Hangover Tonight” is not a duet. It’s a track that Stapleton sang harmonies on, like he’s done dozens of other songs. Nominating that song for anything is ridiculous.
Applejack
February 2, 2016 @ 10:00 am
Hey Pete,
I kinda like “Smokin’ and Drinkin.” I always thought that song had a cool, nostalgic quality to it. I just don’t like the way it was produced – they tried to have Little Big Town and Miranda share lead vocals by blending their voices together, but it just came out sounding weird.
I think that if Miranda had just belted out the song like she usually does, it would have come across better.
Gonger
February 1, 2016 @ 1:53 pm
How is Blake not getting any nominations? Are the ACM’s laying the blame on him and shunning him for the divorce with Miranda? I seriously wouldn’t doubt it given the bullshit feminist society we’ve been living in and all the emasculated men that support it.
Amanda
February 1, 2016 @ 2:34 pm
I think the only category that Blake would’ve really had a shot at would’ve been Male Vocalist. In my opinion, the singles that he’s released during eligibility (Lonely Tonight, Sangria, Gonna) have been pretty lackluster. Sure, they hit number one in airplay, but they are just as bland as other mainstream fare. Do I consider him a better vocalist than Jason Aldean, absolutely. I think the block voting is what is preventing Blake from a nod this year….especially without having a tour this summer. Promoters are going to vote for acts that are launching a major summer tour, especially the MegaTicket shows.
WBK
February 1, 2016 @ 2:35 pm
Alright, may as well leave my two cents.
Entertainer of the Year: Probably gonna be Luke, but pullin for Church. Even Garth, just for it to not go to Luke.
Album of the Year: Mr Misunderstood or Traveller. Can’t go wrong with either.
Female Vocalist of the Year: I’ve got a feeling that Carrie may finally get some love. Would love it too, she’s much better than Miranda.
Male Vocalist of the Year: Again, Eric or Chris. Both would be deserving, and no one could say anything. And how in the hell did Brett F-Ing Eldredge get nominated over Keith Urban? At least nominate a guy who’s got SOME country background.
Vocal Duo of the Year: Probably FGL, would love to see it go to Joey+Rory. Brothers Osborne seems to be a year away from winning. I said above that I think this award will be dominated by them and Maddie and Tae in the coming years.
Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town, duh. Would be nice to see Rascal Flatts, but that’s just the fan in me speaking. Old Dominion? Really? A snowball has a better chance at staying frozen in hell than they do of winning, but still…A Thousand Horses is already up for New Duo/Group, they’d be a much better nomination, at least they’re somewhat country.
Single Record of the Year: Hoping it’s Burning House, I’m getting tired of the Girl Crush craze. Both are fine though, it’s still not Sam Hunt.
Vocal Event of the Year: No one cares, so I’m assuming Church and Urban get it. Church because it’s another award to give him, Keith because he’s gotten snubbed for everything else. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the ACMs start kissing Luke Bryan’s skinny jean ass and give him this however.
New Male Vocalist: Probably Chris Stapleton, but wouldn’t be too surprised to see Rhett win. I’d be pissed, and might put a bullet through my TV, but wouldn’t be shocked. Oh, and how the hell is Eldredge nominated for this? He already won!
New Female Vocalist: Probably Ballerini, mostly because she’s the closest thing the industry has to Taylor Swift. I’d prefer to see Cam win.
New Duo/ Vocal Group: Hoping for Brothers Osborne, much better than the rest. Being the Southern Rock junky I am, A Thousand Horses is a favorite of mine, but probably won’t win.
Video of the Year: Not a big concern of mine, but would like to see Dierks or Eric win.
Amanda
February 1, 2016 @ 2:57 pm
Also, no album of the year nomination for Kacey Musgraves’s excellent Pageant Material? For sure the best mainstream album of last year, along with Maddie and Tae’s Start Here and Ashley Monroe’s The Blade.
Derek E. Sullivan
February 1, 2016 @ 5:01 pm
I don’t understand why country higher-ups have abandoned Musgraves. I mean so many songs and videos get shoved down on throat until we smile and say we like it. I just don’t know why country music doesn’t champion her. Maybe it’s the tour with Katy Perry or her politics, but man her album was great and I guess ignored. Thomas Rhett???
Jen
February 1, 2016 @ 5:20 pm
Are people aware of Miranda Lambert stats? She earned 28 million dollars last year. The most of any country woman by nearly 20 million dollars. Why do people always assume Carrie Underwood is so big in country music each year…..probably because of her #1 radio hits. Truth be told, Carrie had her weakest album yet as far as sales of albums and singles (some how they always manage to go #1 on radio but they aren’t connecting in the sales or streaming department). She has ONE CONCERT date under her belt, etc. Stop being so hard on Miranda Lambert, and downplaying her success, in my book 28 million for someone who is a true country artist (not dabbling in pop/rock) and no endorsement deals that I know of (carrie has big endorsements with Almay and a clothing like), Miranda has done incredible for herself. What other true country WOMAN can pull in that type of money? Carrie 9 million 9 MILLION (music, a clothing like and Almay deal), granted that will increase next year (once you add her tour on top of it) but the fact that she is at 9 million and Miranda is at 28 million should silence these naysayers claiming how big of a year Carrie had. It all boils down to Carrie always getting #1 country singles and that is a false sense of success when you look at the big picture. Perhaps the CMA’s and ACM’s are aware of that? No one ever complains about Carrie ALWAYS winning vocalist at the grammy awards. What is the difference? She’s greedy and takes all the vocal grammy awards, Miranda’s greedy and takes all the CMA’s and ACM vocals. If anything, they are both OVER AWARDED. Stop acting like poor carrie gets nothing. She’ll get another vocal grammy in February, cuz that is her award she won’t stop winning until they stop nominating her or she takes a break ( which she will never do, she had a child and still kept releasing music, enough to still get that country vocal grammy). Same with Miranda, she will keep winning at the ACM’s as long as she is having success or someone NEW comes along.
Sarah
February 1, 2016 @ 7:28 pm
Miranda has a couple of stores and Hotel.
Windmills Country
February 1, 2016 @ 8:05 pm
Jen Stop being so hard on Miranda Lambert, and downplaying her success, in my book 28 million for someone who is a true country artist (not dabbling in pop/rock)
I have taken up for Miranda Lambert on this site before. I’ve specifically defended ‘Platinum’ from Trigger’s criticism in two very lengthy comments, defending it as a strong collection of songs exploring a woman’s transition into superstardom and the confidence boost & insecurities that come with the attention. I also defended her from comments that she didn’t belong on the Southern Family album.
But you didn’t just seriously suggest that Miranda “Somethin’ Bad”/”Smokin’ & Drinkin'”/”Platinum”/”Over You” Lambert doesn’t dabble in pop/rock, did you?
I wouldn’t put much stock in the $28 million figure either – it comes from Forbes which bases its earning estimates (they’ve admitted that unless the artist’s team gives them a number, they’re estimating) on a flawed methodology. Miranda’s estimate comes in large part from touring grosses, and her touring grosses draw heavily from the Country Megaticket, where a large percentage of the sales are of the “season ticket” variety, where people paying to see the Luke Bryan/Jason Aldean/Florida-Georgia Line shows also get tickets for the rest of the lineup. By Pollstar estimates, Miranda’s Megaticket shows boost her ticket attendance by a whopping 76% compared to her non-Megaticket shows.
Not only that, Miranda’s tour promoter Live Nation reported very few of her arena boxscores to Billboard, which is generally a sign of an underperformance in sales. One illustration of that is what happened with her Madison Square Garden show in 2015 – more than 50% of the upper level was unsold as of a week before the show, so Live Nation went to Groupon with bargain-priced four-pack of tickets to try to fill the house a little. No surprise that the boxscore for MSG went unreported to Billboard. And this doesn’t even take into the fact that, aside from the ones for Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars dates, she has to pay her primary opening act more out of the tour gross than some of her peers, because she’s had higher profile tour openers than people like Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, and Carrie Underwood have.
For the sake of accuracy, Carrie’s current single “Heartbeat” is selling at or ahead of its airplay rank & among current singles (not including recurrent singles), its streaming numbers are strong relatively to its airplay rank, too. That’s why it is ranked higher on the hybrid Billboard Hot Country Songs chart (#8) than the Billboard Country Airplay chart (#10). So the idea that her current music isn’t connecting in the sales or streaming department is flat out false. The accurate characterization would be that her current music hasn’t connected at the level that her previous blockbuster singles have, at least not yet, which is to say Carrie hasn’t had a truly blockbuster single from Storyteller yet. But hey, it’s not like Platinum yielded a single that connected like “Mama’s Broken Heart” or “The House That Built Me” did. In fact, embarrassingly, by far the most commercially impactful single from Platinum was that waste-of-two-major-talents duet “Somethin’ Bad.”
Liz
February 2, 2016 @ 9:34 pm
Carrie hasn’t had an album or a tour for a couple of years due to having a baby but I believe this year she will earn a lot with her Storyteller tour which has already had two successful shows. Her album didn’t do as well as the others but not a lot of new albums have not recently & this is just the shift in streaming etc, will be interesting to see how the next few years go with sales of new albums, I expect it might get weaker. My issue is that Miranda had won this award so many times now it’s like they’re saying there’s no other females out there working their butts off & that’s just not true! I’m not saying Carrie should win either, would be nice for Kacey to win, she’s worked pretty damn hard despite being locked out of country radio. Would be nice for another female to be nominated for EOY as well!
P.Kramer
February 1, 2016 @ 5:54 pm
Church should win EOTY solely on that incident that occurred a while back where his bandmates all got sick, so he went out and played a show with just him, his guitar, and maybe a drummer (Not sure about that though).
Was such an awesome thing to do, especially for such a big artist who could cancel the show if he wanted to.
E21
February 1, 2016 @ 8:01 pm
I know that a lot of different aspects go into picking EOTY but just based off of Eric Church’s concerts….in a perfect and fair world….he would be the no brainer. I have been to more country concerts than I should admit…I’m a sucker for a good bar show where everything is up close and personal. I’ve seen Eric more than once in stadium and I was blown away by how personal it felt. He has played a different set of songs every time I have been. And the best part? He didn’t just play his radio hits- he played EVERYTHING. Every album on display, songs that aren’t on his albums, and my personal favorite a cover of “The Weight”. The people that open for him are always good as well.
You go to a McGraw or Chesney concert (and Luke Bryan-though I don’t really know because I’ll never pay 60 dollars to have my ears bleed) and you get the same songs, same performance, every time. It’s the complete opposite with Church. I might be biased because he is my favorite (next to Sturgill) but the man can write and sing.
albert
February 2, 2016 @ 8:19 am
With very few exceptions it looks like a rerun from the past 3 years . Sam ol same ol .
Tieg
February 2, 2016 @ 9:49 am
How in the world is Ashley Monroe not nominated for female vocalist or album of the year? This whole thing is a joke if she’s not recognized at all.
Amanda
February 2, 2016 @ 6:16 pm
Ashley Monroe is a criminally underrated artist. She is incredible. I certainly think she should at least have one nomination.
Sarah
February 2, 2016 @ 10:30 pm
I agree. She is so talented. Her sweet voice is perfection. The music she writes is so good. She is nominated for Grammy. I wish she could get more support from mainstream.
Glen
February 3, 2016 @ 4:41 pm
She is absolutely one of my favorite artists. Such a beautiful, warm voice. It’s ridiculous that she doesn’t get radio play, but the sophomoric bros do. At the very least she should have been nominated for the Bombshell video.
Applejack
February 2, 2016 @ 10:15 am
You know, for a website whose readers supposedly “hate” Eric Church, there sure seems to be a lot of admiration for him here.
Trigger
February 2, 2016 @ 11:10 am
Those stereotypes about who this website or its readers “hate” are always misnomers. The only thing I hate is bad music. Meanwhile Eric Church has built up a lot of good will recently by doing some cool things on the stage, and by releasing a pretty decent album.
Applejack
February 2, 2016 @ 11:05 pm
Agreed.
It does seem like Eric Church has built up a lot of good will recently. I think dialing back the musical and marketing bombast of the “Outsider” era was a smart choice.
Dom
February 2, 2016 @ 11:15 am
What disgusts me about these nominations is the fact that NO WOMEN were nominated for album of the year. This is disgraceful considering the quality of material that has been produced by artist like Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe, Lindi Ortega, Logan Brill etc. Even Carrie Underwood didn’t get a nomination. I’m not surprised, but I think its vile that artists such as Thomas Rhett and Chris Young, who have released drivel over the past year, have been nominated. Considering the ongoing issues with the academy awards over issues of diversity and inequality, this should be a top priority for award shows of this kind. Instead, this will be gravely overlooked and will be another moment where country music’s female talent is ignored.
Robert S
February 2, 2016 @ 1:12 pm
Speaking of Logan Brill, for my Stapleton fans, she did a nice cover of his old Steeldrivers song “Where Rainbows Never Die.”
Robert S
February 2, 2016 @ 1:55 pm
“No Such Thing as Ghosts” is another Stapleton write on Logan Brill’s album.
Robert S
February 2, 2016 @ 1:09 pm
I’m for Stapleton for the things he’s up for, but for the other categories, one that stands out to me a bit is Kacey Musgraves in the video category. I think if Hee-Haw made new episodes in 2015, they would look like “Biscuits.” I remember the “music video era” well. Video killed the radio star. Then, somehow the video star died off. Radio Star crawled back from the grave, but is now in a relationship with Streaming Star. It’s sort of like “Particle Man.”
Gena R.
February 2, 2016 @ 7:41 pm
Radio Star, Radio Star
Radio Star hates Video Star
They have a fight, Radio wins
Radio Star
Streaming Star, Streaming Star
Big-as-the-entire-Internet star
Usually kind to Radio Star
Streaming Star
🙂
ElectricOutcast
February 3, 2016 @ 3:02 pm
Problem with music videos these days is nobody is taking time to be creative with em anymore. Most music videos these days usually include the singer and a couple of swimsuit models, in contrast to the 80’s and 90’s where a lot of work was put into making a music video that was most of the time as good as the song.
Reba and Garth are probably good examples of how they usually put in stories with their videos. Hell I was watching some old NWA videos they actually had a pretty good way of calling out the bullshit that to this day is still going on. Just putting my two cents on your comment.
Brett Dale
February 2, 2016 @ 2:51 pm
Actually I do consider Garth a legend.
I also think he should win EOT? He sells the most tickets of anyone from
any Genre. He does press conferences in every city before his shows, hes
always been respectful to the country genre.
I say he deserves it.
Rex
February 2, 2016 @ 8:34 pm
Can’t believe there hasn’t been any word on here about the Kris Kristofferson Tribute show going on in Nashville in March,http://blackbirdmusicgroup.com/life-songs-of-kris-kristofferson/..
Was lucky enough to get floor seats…can’t wait.
Trigger
February 2, 2016 @ 9:30 pm
This is a really cool event and I look forward to reviewing it when it is released on DVD. Good for you scoring floor seats.
When it was announced I did blast it out on the site’s Twitter and Instagram accounts, but seeing how there’s probably 25-30 other articles about it on the innernets, I didn’t see the need to dedicate yet another article to the announcement. I try to cover the stuff nobody else is since the majority of country media is predicated on regurgitating press releases and the most important stories fall through the cracks. If I have time I will cover announcements on events like that. But as a one-man operation, unfortunately I just don’t have the time to cover everything.
Sorry for the paragraph. Just thought this was important info to reinforce.
Rex
February 3, 2016 @ 6:09 am
No need to apologize for the paragraph, figured that was the reason of not covering it. Keep up the good work.
ElectricOutcast
February 2, 2016 @ 10:48 pm
Okay from what I’m hearing the ACM’s are not letting us vote for ETOY this year…if it’s true than I would just like to say GOOD FUCKING RIDDANCE!!!
Les
February 8, 2016 @ 1:03 pm
As printed under your Vocal Duo of the Year, what’s meant by “…the blacksliding of Florida Georgia Line…”?
Freudian slip?
Tara
February 25, 2016 @ 2:53 pm
Regarding EOTY Eric Church should win hands down!!! He’s a GREAT entertainer!! He puts it all out there every show. I’ve seen several and each show was awesome and unique. I saw Jason Aldean and Miranda this past year also. Neither can hold a candle to Church. I felt like Aldean and Lambert were just going thru the motions and collecting a check. You NEVER feel that way when you leave an Eric Church concert. It’s more of an experience!!!
I understand that Garth had a very successful tour, but I just couldn’t attend. Why are my husband and I the only two people on earth still creeped out by the whole Chris Gaines thing? Saying Garth Brooks retired to raise his family is not the whole story…. Chris Gaines.. It was just too weird for me!!
paula
March 29, 2016 @ 9:37 am
Ross COPPERMAN is actually an amazing songwriter who just so happens to be an amazing producer as well! congrats to him!