Jo’s Picks for the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards

Yes, another award show which means some great live music, amazing collaborations and for sure some OMG moments. Am I excited, you know it, and am I ready to guess who I think will win, let’s do this.

Male Vocalist of the Year– Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban or Chris Young..I personally think that this will be awarded to Chris Stapleton. Why, because he is amazing, from writing, to performing to releasing a two albums in 2018, Chris has this one in the bag! Here is his latest single, “Millionaire,” and it’s amazing.

Female Vocalist of the Year–  Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Maren Morris or Carrie Underwood. Without a doubt Maren Morris for the win. She has accomplished so much in such a short time as a performer, even though she has been writing for a long time. I mean she a 40% chance of winning Vocal Event of the Year because she was a part of two mind blowing musical moments this last year. Here is her latest creative music video for “Rich,” enjoy.

Vocal Duo of the Year– Brothers Osborne, Dan & Shay, Florida Georgia Line, LoCash or Tim McGraw & Faith Hill. Tough category, I think the obvious would be Tim & Faith but I’m putting my money on my boys, Brothers Osborne! Those two have an amazing future, and their next album Port Saint Joe is going to be amazing too! If they don’t win, I’m so happy that they are getting recognized by the country music community. Here is a new song of theirs you can find on their album “Port Saint Joe” that is out on Friday. This is called “Pushing Up Daisies” and it’s golden!

Vocal Group of the Year– Lady Antebellum, Lanco, Little Big Town, Midland or Old Dominion. I want Midland to win so bad, I mean they snagged New Vocal Group of the Year, so maybe I shouldn’t be that selfish. So, who is going to claim this win, Little Big Town. They just dominate period when it comes to this category and they deserve the win. I mean have you heard their version of “Rocket Man!”

Album of the Year– “The Breaker”- Little Big Town, “California Sunrise” – Jon Pardi, “From A Room; Volume 1” – Chris Stapleton, “Happy Endings” – Old Dominion, “Life Changes” Thomas Rhett. Strong category again, but Chris Stapleton of course will win. He is a mind blowing musician with a variety on that album like no other. He hits ya right in the feels with several songs on that album from “Broken Halos” to “Either Way” then makes you laugh with the song “Them Stems.” Mr. Stapleton deserves this award in my opinion. Here is his performance from Austin City Limits of another song you can find on “From A Room: Volume 1,” here is “Second One to Know.”

Single Record of the Year– “Better Man” – Little Big Town, “Body Like A Back Road” – Sam Hunt, “Broken Halos'”- Chris Stapleton, “Drinkin Problems” – Midland, “I’ll Name The Dogs” – Blake Shelton. Do I need to explain why Chris will claim this one, I didn’t think so

Song of the Year– “Body Like A Backroad” – Sam Hunt, “Female” – Keith Urban, “Tin Man”- Miranda Lambert, “Whiskey And You” – Chris Stapleton. I’ll make this easy, because it’s Chris Stapleton, that’s why he’s going to win.

Video of the Year“Black” – Dierks Bentley, “It Ain’t My Fault” – Brothers Osborne, “Legends” – Kelsea Ballerini, “Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett, “We Should Be Friends” – Miranda Lambert. This music video is stunning paired with the lyrics. His wife does a phenomenal job and Dierks never disappoints. I think he should look into offering classes on how to impress the ladies.

Vocal Event of the Year– “Craving You” – Thomas Rhett & Maren Morris, “Dear Hate” – Maren Morris & Vince Gill, “Funny (How Time Slips Away)” – Glen Campbell & Willie Nelson, “The Fighter” – Keith Urban & Carrie Underwood, “What Ifs” – Kane Brown & Lauren Alaina. I don’t think I need to justify why I selected this winner, just listen the song, takes your breath away and couldn’t imagine her singing with anyone else besides Mr. Vince Gill.