No category at the 2012 CMA Awards will be as debated as the Female Vocalist of the Year category. The five women chosen this year range from pop to outlaw, with a sprinkle of traditional and a sniff of bubblegum. Kelly Clarkson is a first-time nominee, while Miranda Lambert is shooting for her third straight win in this category. Who do you think will win the Female Vocalist of the Year award at the CMAs?

Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are perennial nominees and always favorites to win the award. It's disingenuous to assume the trophy will go to one of these women, however. Lately, CMA voters have been favoring a more traditional sound. Could that change for 2012? Read our case for each nominee and then share your opinion in the comments section below before voting in the next category.

Kelly Clarkson: Clarkson will perform her new single 'Don't Rush' with Vince Gill at the CMA Awards. Unlike many stars who've tried to cross into the genre, fans seem to be more willing to give the 'American Idol' singer a chance. They'll be even more willing after hearing this song. So far, however, it's been just one radio cut and a couple of duets. Her nomination is premature at best.

Miranda Lambert: Lambert has won the last two Female Vocalist of the Year awards at the CMAs, and she is a favorite to do so again after releasing an album even more complete than the one that earned her the trophy in 2010. 'Four the Record' is the best effort from a female vocalist this year.

Martina McBride: Martina McBride's new album, 'Eleven,' may not have provided her with the radio hits she wants (although 'I'm Gonna Love You Through It' reached the Top 5), but it was a very good collection of songs that reintroduced her as one of the most vibrant and talented women in the business. She toured with George Strait this year. No one on this list would turn down that opportunity.

Taylor Swift: If the woman who is in the news the most wins, Female Vocalist of the Year will be Swift. Howeverm 2012 was a down year for her, as she was in between albums. The 'Ours' singer still landed a couple of platinum, chart-topping singles and embarked on a tour bigger than any female in the category. It's difficult to argue why Swift shouldn't win this award.

Carrie Underwood: Underwood is almost forgotten among stars who tend to make a little louder splash. She will never be a long shot in this category, though. Her 'Blown Away' album is nearing platinum certification for one million sold, and she has two big ol' hits to pad her resume. If she doesn't win the Female Vocalist of the Year award this year, she'll win next.

Our Prediction: Make it three straight for Miranda Lambert. The material on 'Four the Record' is just too strong to overlook. Remember that Swift's 'Red' wasn't released until many votes were turned in, so she is resting on songs from her last album to earn her the trophy. Lambert has become one CMA voters like to see win things. She is the every-woman, someone voters can identify with most easily.

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