During 2014 CMA Awards week, Josh Abbott Band weren't shy about the fact that they hope to one day be in the running for a Vocal Group of the Year CMA Award. But who do they think has the best shot at taking home this year's trophy?

This year's nominees in the category are Eli Young Band, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, the Band Perry and Zac Brown Band. "It's the hardest competition," according to Abbott.

"Eli Young Band, they’re our friends, you know, so I hope they win. But Lady Antebellum has been nothing but gracious to us when we got to meet them at the Opry ... super cool," he tells The Boot. "Zac Brown Band, obviously we’re huge fans of those guys, so I don’t know."

With praise for three of the five nominees, there's a good chance that no matter who wins, JAB will be happy with the selection.

"One day, we hope to be in that group with them," Abbott adds. "We hope to lose to one of them one day!

Josh Abbott Band recently signed their first major-label deal, with Atlantic Records, and released a five-song EP, 'Tuesday Night.'

The 2014 CMA Awards air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight (Nov. 5) at 8PM ET on ABC.

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