Will Brad Paisley or Blake Shelton win CMA Award?

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Up until recently, it looked like Brad Paisley was unbeatable in the Country Music Assn. Award contest for best male vocalist. He won it three years in a row (2007-2009) and he’s such a darling of the organization that he’s become the annual cohost of the kudo fest. This year he MCs with Carrie Underwood on Nov. 9 (8 p.m. PT/ET on ABC).

However, last year Paisely got upset by Blake Shelton. Now they return for a rematch, pitted against Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban. Two of the contenders are up for best single of the year: Aldean (‘Don’t You Wanna Stay’ with Kelly Clarkson) and Shelton (‘Honey Bee’). Three are up for best album: Aldean (‘My Kinda Party’), Shelton (‘All About Tonight’) and Paisley (‘This Is Country Music’). To win best male vocalist, it usually helps to have corresponding nominations in those other top races. Who’ll win?

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— Tom O’Neil

Left photo: Brad Paisley. Credit: Sony Nashville.