Carrie Underwood gets a tremendous amount of support at Country Universe, actually, and she has since she launched her career (which was after the site itself.) If you go back to the archives, you’ll see that.

At least two of our writers (myself and Blake) think she’s very worthy of the Female Vocalist trophy, and we’ve repeatedly made the case that the trophy she should be winning this year is the one that she’s not nominated for: Entertainer of the Year.

MVOTY – Brad Paisley – He is so consistant with his music, staying true to country, his tour is a hit as usual.

FVOTY – Carrie Underwood – I think this would be the obvious one, she vetured out on her first headlining tour and it is said to be one of best tours of the year by critics. Four #1′s in the eligable time frame, three of which are co written, and she hasn’t storpped all year she will of performed more concerts than any other artist by the end of the year.

GOTY – Rascal Flatts – Consistancy, on the charts and on the stage, they are a machine at pumping out the good singles.

DOTY – Sugarland – I think they have really stepped up their game this year and it will pay off even after the awards.

NA – I would love for Rodney Atkins all his singles have been great and he just has had more airplay than the others. But I’m not sure wasn’t he and JA nom last year???

AOTY – Toss between Carrie Underwood again 4 staight #1′s from CR, sales are like 1mil more than the other noms. Or George as usual he puts out great music one after another.

SOTY – Miranda all the way GAL just has grit, sass and attitude like classic bar coutry music, love it.

Song – I’m going way out on a limb but I just love Trace’s “Your Gonna Miss This”, it tells a great story that any parent can relate to.

1. To see if Little Big Town can pull off the what-will-be-termed-an-upset-but-shouldn’t be over Rascal Flatts in the vocal group category.

2. To see where CMA voters will reward Miranda Lambert. Will they give it to her in the single or female vocalist category? She’s the underdog in both, but she’s come on strong of late. It would be a huge shame if she got shut out entirely

3. Umm, just kidding. I guess there are only two!

Gloria- Keith Urban would have been my second pick for Entertainer of the Year. I was also very impressed with his concert. He’s got incredible charm and stage presence. But I think this is Brad’s year. He hasn’t won and he deserves it.

Male: Brad Paisley should and will win. The closest competition would be Urban and Strait.

Female: I love Miranda, but I love Carrie more. With a few more number 1′s under her belt and another multi-platinum album, look for Underwood to get her third straight vocalist win.

Group: I would love to see Little Big Town take it! But again, Rascal Flatts are still huge even though they haven’t had great music this year.

Duo: Sugarland Sugarland Sugarland!! It was a travesty that they didn’t win the ACM award (what happened there?!), but I think they’ll have a huge night!

New Artist: It’s a toss up between Rodney Atkins and Lady A. I think the CMA will give it to Rodney, but I would love to see Lady A win.

Album: I love Carrie’s and George’s cd. I have a feeling they’ll give it to Strait but I wouldn’t be surprised if Underwood’s “Carnival Ride” takes it.

Single: I think it’ll be “Stay.” It’s a great song and I think it hit top 5 while Miranda’s “Gunpowder and Lead” only hit top 10.

Song: “Stay.” Hands down.

Vocal: I would love to see “Another Try” take it but I’m thinking it’ll be the Sugarland, LBT, Jake Owen tune or Chesney/Strait.

Video: I love ‘Stay’ and ‘Waitin’ on a Woman’ so either one would be great with me!

Male: Keith Urban: I think he’s put out consistanly good material and really the other’s have bored me in the past year.

Female: Miranda Lambert: She’s releasing the most interesting music and she’s having better chart success than Martina.

Duo: Sugarland: Is there really any competition here? B&D have had a terrible year, B&R had 1 low charting single, MG have had hits but haven’t been consistant sellers and The Wreckers are basically done. This is the most surefire win of the night.

Group: Rascal Flatts are going to win but Little Big Town should. LBT put out a great album though they didn’t sell much or have much chart success.

Horizon: James is my favorite but Jason will most likely win it as he’s had the best year of them all.

Album: Like it was said weakest category but I think Carrie should win soley because of sales. George would be my second pick.

Single: Gunpowder & Lead: I’m sure it surprised many how well this made it on the charts so I think this should win.

Song: Stay: Out of the choices this is the best, there’s a couple of other songs I’d like to have been nominated though.

Vocal: “Another Try” : out of the one’s nominated their voices sound the best together.

Music Video: Stay: It’s really simple but it’s extreamly effective. I didn’t like “Waitin’ On A Woman”…sorry.

Musician: Paul Franklin I love Steel Guitar.