VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Diane Berry/Joe Wade Smith, Hayefield, Maybe April, Nik & Sam, The Salty Dogs
Celebrating the groups and duos that may not always receive the recognition they deserve, this category is another that’s had a different winner each year. The Zac Dunlap Band (2018), The Reeves Brothers (2019), and Anna Brinker and Adam Cunningham (2020) have all paved the way for another nominated group to join their ranks. ALBUM OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Black Cats and Crows by Ward Davis, produced by Jim ‘Moose’ Brown; The Country Blues by Billy Don Burns, produced by Charlie Ammerman, Thomas Gramuglia, Billy Don Burns, Jeff Williams, Mike Randolf and Aaron Dethrage; Horses and Steel by Kenny Drain, produced by Kenny Drain; Neon Town by David Adam Byrnes, produced by Trent Willmon; Rain and Whiskey by Anna Brinker, produced by B.J. Taylor and Kevin Sokolnicki.
Choosing one album from the list nominated must not be an easy feat. Each album above encompasses the dedication and talent put forth by a whole team of writers, producers and, of course, the performers. Hats off to the professionals that had to make the hard decision and choose our 2021 Album of the Year winner. SONG OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: “Dianne’s Song,” written by
Jabe Burgess, Steve Williams and Mark Alan Springer, performed by Jabe Burgess; “Great Again,” written by Justin Wilson and Brice Long, performed by Lance Carpenter; “On Your Own,” written and performed by Grace Stormont; “Recycled,” written by Autumn McEntire, Hannah Blaylock, Mae Estes and Josh Matheny, performed by Mae Estes; “Say it Again,” written by Lydia Dall, Morgan Johnston and Joe Tounge, performed by Kelsey Lamb.
Mae Estes. (Courtesy)
VIDEO OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: “Everything but Us” by Jabe Burgess, directed by Noah Coffey III; “Lost Boy” by The Render Sisters, directed by Joe Sikkema and Pam Tillis; “Old School” by David Adam Byrnes, directed by Dylan Rucker; “She Knew Better” by Abby Lindsey, directed by Lexy Burket; “Water” by Lauren Richmond, directed by B.J. Taylor and Brent Wheeler.
New list of performers, new list of directors. This year’s Video of the Year award will be a first for both sides of the video production. Music videos are the visual accompaniments to the songs we love. The videos, with endless opportunities for additional elements, are another way for artists to show the story they’re sharing with their listeners. No telling which video will have that extra something that impresses the judges; the outcome of this category has us all on the edge of our seats.
The Song of the Year is a well-sought-after award that gives recognition to the songwriters that pour time and talent into memorable lyrics. Each year brings a fresh set of songs, one of which will be deemed as No. 1.
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Charley Sandage, Erin Enderlin, Jason Lee Campbell, Kenny Drain, Phil McGarrah
The champion and three-time Songwriter of the Year winner, Erin Enderlin, remains on the list of nominees for her fourth year. She’s stiff competition, but the four other nominees have obviously earned their places next to her and may give her a run for the title.
Maybe April. (Courtesy)
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