The Third Shift 2015 CMA Awards Predictions

This past year in country music was a year of big personalities and a year with a lot of new faces stealing the spotlight. I predict one of the new kids will win one of the night's biggest awards, let's get to it!

BEST NEW ARTIST: SAM HUNT

The former quarterback blew up the charts and the ladies' hearts this year. His hit "Take Your Time" is up for both Song and Single of the Year. And he just won Artist-Songwriter of the Year at Monday night's ASCAP Country Music Awards. If there's one or two spoilers here for Hunt, it's either Kelsea Ballerini or Chris Stapleton, we'll get to him in a little bit.

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR: Florida Georgia Line

Brian and Tyler have taken over for Brooks & Dunn in this category. Although I think Brothers Osbourne could sneak in, I think they'll have to wait at least another year to be serious contenders in this category.

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR: Little Big Town

Little Big Town could live in this category for a while, thanks to their huge hit this year, Song of the Year and Single of the Year nominee "Girl Crush".

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Miranda Lambert

Here's where the awards will get tricky, maybe. Though Miranda could easily score her sixth(?!) win in this category, CMA co-host Carrie Underwood has had a pretty good year and it's been seven years since her last Female Vocalist win; I wouldn't rule her out.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Blake Shelton

Yeah, okay, this is really another toss-up, considering Eric Church's year, but Blake is still a force in this category. If Blake and Miranda win in their respective categories again, they will make for some interesting, perhaps awkward, acceptance speeches, we'll see.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Chris Stapleton 'Traveller'

Yes! I'm going out on a limb, but seriously, this is the Best Album of the Year, and I think it's where Stapleton has the best shot at picking up an award. Of course, I would also be happy if Kacey Musgraves picked up a win here.

SINGLE OF THE YEAR: Little Big Town "Girl Crush"

Hands down, the best, and the most accidental controversial song of the year. Plus, it spent thirteen weeks at number one.

SONG OF THE YEAR: Randy House "Like a Cowboy"

I talked the other night about songs that are so awesome, yet they never hit number one? "Like a Cowboy" is a perfect example. If any other song can take it away, see Single of the Year.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Eric Church

Here's where I'm throwing conventional thinking out the window. One big reason Church can win? No Blake! And I can't wait to see him and Hank Williams Jr. perform!

There you have it, print it and mark it down and we'll discuss on the show later this week.