It’s that time of year again. The 2012 CCMA Awards kick off in Saskatoon with Potash Corp Country Music Week September 6 – 9. The 2012 CCMA Awards will be broadcast live on CBC television on Sunday, September 9. Celebrations will include appearances from American stars Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Pistol Annies.

Last week, the nominees for the 2012 CCMA Awards were released. In the Single of the Year category, 2012 proves to be another tight race for all the artists involved. radiowrangler has taken the time to look at all five singles singles nominated for the big award and predict who will take home the hardware come September.

5. Dallas Smith – “Somebody Somewhere“

Dallas Smith, formerly of grunge rockers Default, burst into the Canadian country scene this year and picked up a nomination in the Rising Star category. “Somebody Somewhere” is well written and shows off Smith‘s impressive vocal range, but the song lacks the punch of his other singles. Compared the rest of the nominations, “Somebody Somewhere” is a long-shot for Single of the Year.

4. Gord Bamford – “Is it Friday Yet?“

Gord Bamford‘s back with one of his best singles. The working week anthem “Is it Friday Yet?” has a great melody, tag line and use of instrumentation, but the song did not connect with listeners like the others on this list. Either way, it’s nice to have Bamford‘s traditional country sound back at the top of the charts. It’s been a long time since the days of “Blame it on That Red Dress” and “Stayed ’til Two.”

3. Jason Blaine – “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore“

Jason Blaine‘s “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore” makes use of a great story, powerful imagery and great acoustic sounds. If music videos factored into this category, Blaine would win for sure. Blaine should be proud of “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore” because it’s the best single he’s released so far. Unfortunately, the heavyweights in this year’s Single of the Year category will make it tough for Blaine to win.

2. Dean Brody – “Canadian Girls“

Dean Brody is Canadian country music’s favourite son. “Canadian Girls” had a great social media campaign and the song has been all over country radio, but there’s no way this song can win Single of the Year at the 2012 CCMAs. Compared to the rest of Brody‘s catalog, “Canadian Girls” does not hold up. The chorus is easy to sing-a-long to, but the verses and overall structure leave much to be desired.

1. Johnny Reid – “Fire it Up“

Johnny Reid‘s “Fire it Up” combines everything that Canadian country fans like in Johnny Reid. The song shows off his vocals, builds to a resounding chorus and has a great overall feel. Reid‘s been an unstoppable commercial force in the Great White North, and the CCMA has to recognize his achievements. Look for “Fire it Up” to take home Single of the Year at the 2012 CCMA Awards.

What are your thoughts on 2012′s Single of the Year nominees? Leave a comment and let your voice be heard!