Chris Coleman’s CMA Awards Predictions

Set those DVRs! The 45th annual CMA Awards are comin' up tomorrow night, hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.

Before I run down the list of who's up for what, here's a little CMA Awards history:  the first CMA Awards show was held in Nashville in 1967, hosted by Bobbie Gentry and Sonny James -- and the show was not on television. Eddy Arnold won Entertainer of the Year, Loretta Lynn walked away with the Female Entertainer of the Year trophy, and Jack Greene was Male Vocalist.

Fast forward to 2011, and country music sounds and looks much different.  Here are the nominees for some of the biggest categories, courtesy of the CMA, along with my thoughts...

Entertainer of the Year: Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban.

All five of these performers are amazing to see in person and have had amazing years. Jason Aldean and Blake Shelton continue to skyrocket, Taylor Swift continues to be an international superstar with a new album, Brad Paisley never disappoints live in concert, and Keith Urban is Keith Urban. My prediction: Blake Shelton.

Female Vocalist of the Year: Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood.

All five of these ladies have been on a roll this past year, but I really don't see anyone stopping Miranda Lambert.  Coming off of nine CMA nominations last year and two wins -- including Female Vocalist of the Year, I can see her winning big again this year.

Male Vocalist of the Year: Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Keith Urban.

I rarely use the word "underdog" to describe Kenny Chesney, but I see Kenny as an underdog in this category -- he might just be able to walk away with a win here. He ended 2010 with the #1 song "Somewhere With You," and then had a big 2011, including a top five song with Grace Potter, "You and Tequila."

New Artist of the Year: The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Thompson Square, and Chris Young.

I'm having a difficult time predicting a winner in this category -- I think it'll be a contest between The Band Perry and Luke Bryan, with The Band Perry taking the award home. I think The Band Perry continues their momentum off of "If I Die Young" and "You Lie," which made it all the way to #2 on the charts.

Vocal Group of the Year: The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and the Zac Brown Band.

If the New Artist of the Year category wasn't hard to predict, this one really is. I think it comes down to a shoot-out between Lady Antebellum and Zac Brown Band. Both groups are extremely talented, both groups are excellent to see live on stage, and both groups have a terrific catalog of music. My initial guess is Zac Brown Band by a wool cap.

Catch the 45th annual CMA Awards on ABC Wednesday night!