Jonathan Pappalardo:В While IвЂ™d love to see this award go to Clarkson (to tick off the industry if nothing else), sheвЂ™s a pop singer whoвЂ™s done a bang up job covering country songs in concert.

She has yet to fully embrace a career in country music.В McBride is a snoozer scoring her 14th consecutive nomination and 15th overall as her career takes a downward spiral.В See, this is what happens when all the great female artists of late (Kimberly Perry, Jennifer Nettles, Shawna Thompson) are members of duos and groups. Know It AllвЂќ so her nomination is somewhat, albeit very marginally, justified. Kelly Clarkson, really? She did score a #21 hit with the country version of вЂњMr. I say Swift is most likely to succeed on CMA night. And she just had the #1 song in 12 countries. Journey:В Taylor Swift now not only represents about one-fourth of the total United States GDP, she also hawks makeup, perfume, and shoes on the side. Jonathan Pappalardo:В IвЂ™ll bet on the safest choice this time around and say Taylor Swift is going to win.В Chesney may haveВ had the biggest tour, and Aldean is on fire right now, but Swift has the lock on this category. But Aldean is the nominee to watch, as his recent stadium tour announcement will likely endear him to voters in the years to come. Carrie Underwood fans are likely fuming at yet another snub,В while everyone else will barkВ at the inclusion of Swift, a two-time winner and the incumbent, for her increasing lack of country credibility. Also look forward to a duet from Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (which IвЂ™ve heard is during the Nelson tribute), and solo performances from each. ThereвЂ™s also talk that Female Vocalist nominee Kelly Clarkson will debut вЂњDonвЂ™t RushвЂќ on the telecast, a duet with Vince Gill featured from her Greatest Hits, Chapter One album in stores Nov. On awards night, look for a musical tribute to Willie Nelson and The Band Perry to debut the first taste of their Rick Rubin produced sophomore album.

Eric Church and his massive hit вЂњSpringsteenвЂќ lead the list of nominees, with Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton close behind him. The show will air live on ABC television again this year and is presented by the pairing of Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, who will take over hosting duties for the fifth consecutive year. The 46th annual Country Music Association annual awards ceremony will take place on Novemat NashvilleвЂ™s Bridgestone Arena.

Mac mcanally album covers