Chris Young vs. Blake Shelton: Country’s Top Vocalist of 2016?

You'd have a tough time holding a conversation about the Top Country Vocalists of 2016 without including the two men set to square off in this pairing. Chris Young and Blake Shelton bring tremendous power and range, as well as an uncanny gift for storytelling.

Fans will be forced to choose between the two country hunks in this Taste of Country competition, and that's an imposing task. Young's most recent addition to his vocalist resume is "Think of You," a duet with Cassadee Pope. The singer jokes that every album he makes he sets out to not include a song he'll struggle to sing live. Fortunately for fans, the I'm Comin' Over album includes several of these.

Shelton's newest song is "Came Here to Forget," but perhaps his greatest vocal showcase is "She Wouldn't Be Gone." Of course, you can't dismiss the simple storytelling of early '00 hits like "Austin" and "The Baby." There's a lot to sort through from both singers, but only one of these guys will face Trace Adkins or Brett Eldredge next Monday.

Sixteen singers were chosen to be a part of this Top Vocalist of 2016 competition. We chose from the year’s most active male and female vocalists and split them up so the top male and top female square off in a finale later this month. Fans can vote up to once every hour until this poll closes on March 20 at 11:59PM ET.