2018 GRAMMYs Prediction: The Country Field
COUNTRY FIELD PREDICTIONS
BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE
Shania Twain - "Swingin' With My Eyes Closed"
Carrie Underwood – "Dirty Laundry"
Miranda Lambert - "Tin Man"
Sam Hunt - "Body Like A Backroad"
Chris Stapleton – "Either Way"
These were all either critically acclaimed or big hits. "Dirty Laundry" was a hit from an album full of them and "Body Like A Backroad," is a ROTY-contending, history-making smash hit. The Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert tracks are critically lauded and both artists have a good history with NARAS. Lastly Shania's comeback single should make it in as an acknowledgment of her return, I don't see her getting in anywhere else. Maren Morris could sneak in with "I Could Use A Love Song" or Jon Pardi with "Dirt On My Boots."
BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
Glen Campbell featuring Willie Nelson – "Funny How Time Slips Away"
Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill - "Speak To A Girl"
Brothers Orbone - "It Ain't My Fault"
Little Big Town – "Better Man"
Thomas Rhett featuring Maren Morris – "Craving You"
Brothers Osborne's "It Ain't My Fault" was a big hit and a rousing performance while the Glen Campbell/Willie Nelson track sees two legends uniting for a final collaboration. Husband and wife duo, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, delivered a stellar collaboration with "Speak To A Girl," while the harmonically-intricate "Better Man" by Little Big Town is looking to sneak into SOTY. Finally, Thomas Rhett's collaboration with newly minted Grammy winner, Maren Morris, should secure him a spot here. I also think Garth Brooks' star-studded updated version of his iconic "Friends In Low Places," Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina's "What If's" and Kesha and Dolly Parton's "Old Flames (Can't Hold A Candle To You)" have a decent shot at getting nominated.
BEST COUNTRY SONG
Little Big Town - "Better Man"
Chris Stapleton – "Broken Halos"
Sam Hunt - "Body Like A Backroad"
Miranda Lambert - "Tin Man"
Jon Pardi - "Dirt On My Boots"
Little Big Town, Miranda, and Chris are locks here. Sam's track may be a bit too juvenile, but its astounding success should push it to the finish line. Jon Pardi recently won the prestigious CMA Award for Best New Artist, so he could probably make it in.
BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
Chris Stapleton – From a Room, Vol. 1
Glen Campbell – Adiós
Miranda Lambert – The Weight Of These Wings
Garth Brooks – Gunslinger
Little Big Town - The Breaker
Miranda, Chris, and Little Big Town are definite locks. Glen Campbell is a legend and this is his farewell album so expect to see him here along with a fellow country icon, Garth Brooks.
