CMA Horizon Prediction

[2shane7]

If this award was based solely on chart performance, Gretchen Wilson would win hands down. However, I am going out on a limb and predicting that the CMA is going to award Julie Roberts. For some reason, this woman has recieved an unusual amount of hype (an entire special devoted to her on CMT, huge video airplay, lots of magazine features), even though, to be frank, new singers like Rachel Proctor and Amy Dalley have nearly matched her singles success. As for Gretchen, I think we'll see a similar scenario to Sara Evans a few years back ~ nominated in five categories, and the only one she'll take is Video of the Year. Just my two cents ... I'm kind of excited for this year's awards.

[someguy]

I agree that Julie Roberts gets a ton of hype. But, she has sold a ton of records compared to Amy & Rachel, despite their similar single performance. I'm not sure if she gets the hype because she's sold a lot, or if she's sold a lot because of the hype.

I'd be pretty surprised if Gretchen didn't get this award. It'd be the big upset of the night. I doubt she'll win anything else, though.

[Lee]

I think this award will go to Gretchen Wilson.

Voters know that Gretchen is the nominee most likely to be around for quite some time. 

Julie Roberts is good, but she has only had one minor hit(Top 20).  She would have to achieve more than that to be chosen over Ms. Wilson for the award.

Maybe she has has decent sales as well, but once again the comparison puts Gretchen as the frontrunner. 

The hype that Julie did have was more than that of artists like Rachel Proctor and Amy Dalley, but Gretchen's hype is far beyond Julie's.  Even people who do not listen contry know of Gretchen because of her impact on the industry.  She had a great debut.

[gcook]

If anyone beats Gretchen it would be Big & Rich.

[KMCB]

I also like Julie Roberts well enough, but I can't see anyone other than Gretchen winning this. Much as I love B&R, their longevity is questionable.