In 2017, the Song of the Year award at the ACMs went to Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas and Joe Spargur, for Rhett's hit "Die a Happy Man." The category awards the trophy to the winning song's songwriter(s), artist(s) and publisher(s), recognizing the collective talent that it takes to make a hit tune. This year, three of the 2017 contenders are returning to the list of nominees, along with a predictable newcomer.

"Body Like a Back Road" was Sam Hunt's record-breaking hit in 2017, sitting at No. 1 for 25 weeks and earning him the inaugural CMT Song of the Year award. The track was written by Hunt, Zach Crowell (who also produced it), Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally, the latter two of which are up for Songwriter of the Year as well.

Keith Urban's poignantly and perfectly timed single "Female" is in the running this year as well. McAnally, Nicolle Galyon and Ross Copperman co-wrote the song, and Urban, Copperman and Dann Huff produced the track. Gaylon contributed background vocals along with Urban's wife, Nicole Kidman.

"Tin Man" brings Miranda Lambert back to the list of nominees this year, along with her co-writers, Jon Randall and Jack Ingram. Lambert performed the song at the 2017 ACM Awards, and it earned her a standing ovation.

"Whiskey and You" earned Chris Stapleton, along with co-writer Lee Thomas Miller, a return to this category's nominees lineup as well (Stapleton was nominated in the category last year for "Tennessee Whiskey"). He's of Nashville's most prolific and talented songwriters, so it's no surprise to see Stapleton back in the running in this category.

Who deserves Song of the Year at the 2018 ACM Awards? Vote for your pick in the poll below; you can vote as often as once per hour through the end of the day on Thursday, April 12. The Boot's staff will tally the votes and use them for our readers vs. staff predictions before the show.

The 2018 ACM Awards are set to take place in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 15, and air live on CBS beginning at 8PM ET. The ceremony will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The Boot will be staying up late covering the most buzzed-about winners, fashion and moments at the 2018 ACM Awards. Readers can watch along with us by checking back to TheBoot.com for the latest ACMs headlines, liking The Boot on Facebook and following The Boot on Twitter.

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