A new class of country heroes has taken over the Male Vocalist of the Year category at the CMA Awards. Once-familiar names like Chesney and Paisley have been purged from the list of nominees, with newcomers like Luke Bryan and Eric Church filling the spots in 2012. While one can argue for someone other than these five men, it's difficult to argue against any of them. Who do you think will win the Male Vocalist of the Year award at the 2012 CMAs?

Jason Aldean returns to the ballot for another year, and he's hoping to finally take home a long-overdue trophy. Blake Shelton has won twice in a row... Can he make it three? Keith Urban is the last from a group of superstars that dominated the mid-to-late 2000s. While he doesn't have a new album out, he's certainly deserving based on his live shows. After voting and sharing your opinion on this award, predict who will win the other categories by clicking on the button below.

Jason Aldean: Personal troubles aside, it's difficult to find a reason why Aldean shouldn't win this award. His concert ticket and album sales top all other nominees, and he's scored radio hit after radio hit. Other artists might project more charisma, but from a musical standpoint, Aldean is the favorite to win his first Male Vocalist of the Year. Of course, that doesn't mean he will.

Luke Bryan: Bryan finds himself in this category for the first time, and he's deserving. The 'Country Girl' singer has had a monster year, releasing 'Tailgates and Tanlines,' an album that notched four Top 5 singles while selling over a million units. Fans and voters like Bryan. He's funny, charming and a little wild -- but not so wild you have to worry about him. Rarely does an artist win an award like this on the first try, however.

Eric Church: Church enjoyed overnight success, if you dismiss the seven hard years he put in on the road. Last year, he was in the New Artist of the Year category. At the 2012 CMAs, he's up for a staggering five awards. If an artist breaks the first-timer rule mentioned in the case for Luke Bryan, it will be Church, but it still seems like voters could hold back for another year.

Blake Shelton: Shelton has won this award the last two years. A strong album, strong radio presence and healthy -- but not overwhelming -- sales may be good enough to make it three. Technically, his appearance on 'The Voice' shouldn't count towards theVocalist of the Year award, but it will sway some voters.

Keith Urban: Urban is the last of the old guard of male vocalist nominees this year. For years, fans could count on Urban, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait and Toby Keith in this category, but now a new class of superstars has taken over. With no new album to lean on, it may be difficult for him to get votes, despite having arguably the best live show in country music. Next year could be his year, however.

Our Prediction: Jason Aldean will win -- finally. He's deserved this award for at least two years, and his 2012 resume is just too strong to ignore. However, a win in this category could spell trouble in the Entertainer of the Year category, as voters may split their ballot.

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