The envelopes please

Anyone familiar with the Real. Texas. Festival. knows the concert series is second to none. It features nothing but the best in Texas music in the Red Dirt movement -- with a several other genres on the bill as well.

Well, the Country Music Association will soon award it's best at the annual CMA awards set for November at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Or will it be the best? Is it me, or are there just too many awards shows. Take the Country genre itself. There's Country Music Television's awards, the Country Music Association and the American Country Music awards ... it's all the same stuff and most of the time the same people win.

Of course, there are some instances where an artist will win the American Country Music award for whatever category in which he, she or they are nominated. He, she or they will be nominated for the same award in the same category for the CMA awards and not win.

How does that happen?

The best new artist award at these things drive me crazy. Take the CMA best new artist award, which will come down to Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Jerrod Neimann,
Chris Young or Zac Brown Band.

Again, maybe it's just me. But doesn't it seem like Zac Brown has been around forever? The breakout album for that bunch was The Foundation ... it contained "Whatever it Is," "Toes," "Free" and "Chicken Fried."

And, it was released in 2008.

My Lord by the time the CMA awards roll around in November it will have been almost 3 years since the album was released.

So, how does Zac Brown qualify as a best new artist when you have folks like Jarrod Neimann, Chris Young and Easton Corbin running around in there.

Who will win? Oh, I'm sure it will be Zac Brown Band, but we're pulling for Chris Young. First of all, he really cut his teeth as the house band at Cowboys Arlington. He's an honorary Texan. Besides, Neimann rose to prominence with a cover of a Sonia Dada song.

That's right, I said Sonia Dada.

Easton Corbin appears to be a one-trick pony with "Little More Country than That."

What about the other major categories?

Vocal Group of the Year.
In recent years, Rascal Flatts was a lock for this and they are nominated again this year. But I think the luster is starting to rub off of that bunch. Lady Antebellum is probably the favorite here, but don't be surprised if Zac Brown doesn't win this one as well.

Vocal Duo of the Year
There is no question who wins this one. Brooks and Dunn. They're quitting and in the middle of their last round up farewell tour. They'll win just for sentimental reasons alone. They shouldn't win, but they will. Sugarland shouldn't win either. They are no more a vocal duo than the man in the moon. That whole thing centers on Jennifer Nettles, period. I'd like to see Montgomery Gentry or Steel Magnolia win, but neither will.

Single of the Year
Easton Corbin's "Little More Country than That" is a strong contender. Texas' own Miranda Lambert has two nominees and one might win it ... "White Liar." I believe this one goes to "Need you Now" by Lady A because of the crossover appeal on country and pop radio stations.

Song of the Year (award goes to songwriters)
I don't see how a song can win single of the year, but the same song can't win song of the year. Give me "Need you Now." Yuck!

Video of the Year
I like Miranda Lambert's "White Liar" here because of the star power. Jamey Johnson's in it for cryin' out loud! "House that Built Me" is good, too. I think you have to give the nod to "Water" by Brad Paisley. No way the host gets shut out of a major category in which he's nominated. I also think Paisley wins Entertainer of the Year honors.

We'll see how we do after Nov. 10 when all of the envelopes have been opened and read.