Who's Winning The 2022 CMAs? Here's Our Predictions
Time is going by faster than we think, country music fans. The CMA Awards are next month! As the ceremony quickly approaches, fans and industry professionals alike flock to post their predictions of who will win. Here is All Country News's humble opinion on the highly debated subject, for all of the major categories.
Entertainer Of The Year
Nominees: Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton
We believe that at the last minute, CMA will admit that they actually forgot to list one nominee in the early September announcement. This trophy will be presented to the "legend" (see what we did there) that is Kelsea Ballerini.
Okay, we wish. But realistically. Underwood boasts an impressive list of accomplishments in 2022 alone - including a show-stopping Stagecoach headlining set, a critically acclaimed new album Denim & Rhinestones, and a Vegas residency. This, along with her decade-long legacy in country music, makes her a great choice for Entertainer of the Year.
Female Vocalist Of The Year
Nominees: Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Ashley McBryde
Pearce's voice can make actual angels sound terrible in comparison. We're especially obsessed with her critically acclaimed third studio album, 29: Written In Stone, and her numerous live performances in the past year, both putting her raw talent on full display. Pearce's natural ability to deliver every note and lyric in a heartfelt, moving manner sets her apart from the other nominees. Her newest music video, for the single "What He Didn't Do," further demonstrates the layers of emotions that foster her creativity.
We think this one should go to Pearce for the second year in a row, but if not, we'd also be extremely happy if Wilson took home the award.
Male Vocalist Of The Year
Nominees: Luke Combs, Eric Church, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen
Wallen is arguably the biggest name in country music right now; he has just wrapped his momentous, sold-out Dangerous tour. Having broken numerous records with Billboard and country radio with his #1 album Dangerous, this award would perfectly top off his 2022. Through the extensive range of songs in Dangerous, Wallen has shown his mastery of several vocal styles, while maintaining his beloved southern drawl in each track. He truly deserves this one the most.
Vocal Group Of The Year
Nominees: Lady A, Little Big Town, Midland, Old Dominion, Zac Brown Band
We could easily see Little Big Town winning this one. This group has the most flawless harmonies and irresistible vocals. Between the wide range of flawless tracks in their 2020 album Nightfall, and the much more cheerful 2022 follow-up Mr. Sun, there's nothing LBT can't do.
Vocal Duo Of The Year
Nominees: Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, LOCASH, Maddie & Tae
With the numerous ways their classic hit "Neon Moon" has been revived in 2022, Brooks & Dunn could easily take this award home. The duo has more than a 20-year legacy in country music; they seem like a no-brainer to win in this category.
New Artist Of The Year
Nominees: HARDY, Walker Hayes, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson
It's blatantly obvious that the queen of country music will take this one home. While we love all of the nominees, the other four of them are gonna need all the luck they can get when going up against someone like Wilson. She also leads this year's CMA nominations with a whopping six honors - so yeah, it'd be in everyone's best interest to anticipate a Lainey Wilson sweep at the ceremony.
Album Of The Year
Nominees: Growin' Up - Luke Combs, Humble Quest - Maren Morris, Sayin' What I'm Thinkin' - Lainey Wilson, Time, Tequila & Therapy - Old Dominion
We're down to either Humble Quest or Sayin' What I'm Thinkin' on this one. Ultimately, we think it's more likely to go to Humble Quest, because of the landmark year that Morris has had. This CMA nomination follows a long series of successes for the superstar - including a phenomenal and moving Stagecoach performance, mainstream crossovers with "The Bones" and "Make You Say," a new hit radio single with "I Can't Love You Anymore," and a sold-out tour she is currently in the middle of. A standout track on Humble Quest includes the autobiographical lead single "Circles Around This Town." The mature themes and expert songwriting of Humble Quest make it one of the best albums of all time - not just in country music, but all around.
Single Of The Year
Nominees: "Buy Dirt" - Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan, "half of my hometown" - Kelsea Ballerini & Kenny Chesney, "Never Wanted To Be That Girl" - Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde, "'Til You Can't" - Cody Johnson, "You Should Probably Leave" - Chris Stapleton
This one really ought to go to "half of my hometown." Ballerini and Chesney's voices unexpectedly complement each other flawlessly. The carefully crafted lyrics tell a beautiful story, which the singers beautifully bring to life. Many country songs cover the subject of hometowns, but this one seems to be the most genuine and heartfelt. The coronavirus robbed us of much that the kelsea era was supposed to include, but a win for Ballerini in this category would relieve our pain at least a little bit.
Song Of The Year
Nominees: "Buy Dirt" - Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan, "Never Wanted To Be That Girl" - Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde, "Sand In My Boots" - Morgan Wallen, "Things A Man Oughta Know" - Lainey Wilson, "You Should Probably Leave" - Chris Stapleton
We think Lainey Wilson's #1 single "Things A Man Oughta Know" should take this one home. The conversational and introspective lyrics allow fans to connect with Wilson on a personal level. The track could be interpreted as a gentle warning to men who take women for granted, or honest, loving words from queen to another. Additionally, we can't get enough of Wilson's distinctive voice and musical style, and this is one of our all-time favorite songs to play on the guitar.
Overall, this year's CMA awards are sure to be eventful and exciting, no matter what the outcome. Fans can tune in on November 9 at 8:00 p.m. EST for country music's biggest night. We can't wait to see the amazing nominees and performers shine!