Who Will Be the Big Winner at the CMA’s

To say it’s been an usual year in terms of country music entertainment, would be an under-statement. By the end of March most country singers had shut down their tour for the season. But the CMA Awards must go on. They are scheduled for November 11th and will air live from Nashville on ABC. The host or co-host for the “Biggest Night in Country”, has not been determined.

The Entertainer of the Year award is considered the most prestigious and is always announced last as a finale to the show. Five very capable entertainers are nominated: Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Keith Urban and Luke Combs. This is the first time since 1979 that two women are on the ballot. Forty-one years ago Crystal Gayle and Barbara Mandrell were nominated but Willie Nelson took the honor.

A little CMA trivia… there have been seven female singers nominated for Entertainer of the Year since the show’s inception in 1967. Garth Brooks alone has won the coveted award seven times. It sounds like the talented women have been slighted down through the years. Having said that, is this the year for a woman to win the award? There ARE two chances this year. Keith Urban and Luke Combs have both done a masterful job doing shows and jam sessions on-line helping to “entertain” the fans during the Pandemic. I pick Luke Combs to win the big one plus Male Vocalist and I hope the CMA remembers the Vets since the show will air on Veteran’s Day.