CMA Awards Predictions; Entertainer of the Year

CMA Awards Predictions; Entertainer of the Year
This award is for the act displaying the greatest competence in all aspects of the entertainment field. Voter should give consideration not only to recorded performance, but also to the in-person performance, staging, public acceptance, attitude, leadership, and overall contribution to the Country Music image. Award to artist.

Carrie Underwood - When considering this year’s eligibility period runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, it includes the better half of Carrie's year of touring, the half in which she only headlined, there was no co-headlining with Keith Urban, it just wasn't necessary anymore. She had learned the ropes and was ready to take off running, and that is exactly what she did, as her Carnival Ride tour came to a close she was the top selling country female touring artist of 2008,with fan attendance close to 1.2 million. Even though since finishing her tour she has been pretty much out of the lime light, she was never far away. She won three People's Choice Awards, and won her fourth Grammy, displaying her public acceptance. She also captured the ACM Entertainer of the Year. She continues her constant presence at The Grand Ole Opry. She is also no where near being done breaking records, as per the recorded performance criteria she ended 2008 as the Most Heard Artist on Country Radio. "I Told You So” marked her 10th #1 Single, which made her the first country artist in history ever to achieve 10 #1 singles on the strength of their first two albums. All of the above displays her leadership and overall contribution to the Country Music image. She really has become a true ambassador for Country Music!

But seeing as most people remember the most current part of the eligibility period I can see them overlooking Underwood which they shouldn't, considering most think she was snubbed for the nomination last year. So if this were to be the case I would have to go with Brad Paisley or Sugarland. I have seen both acts and both put on great shows. Besides consistent singles do they have the leadership, and overall contribution to the Country Music image that Underwood possesses? I think not.

Possible Contenders - Kenny Chesney, or Keith Urban.