Lori McKenna

A stunned Brandi Carlile accepted the honor on behalf of herself and the other songwriters.

Dang, she's good!

"I do tend to see things on a good side of things, thank God," says McKenna.

Hear the first single, "When You're My Age."

"I was just trying to pull it off. We were under the deadline of the midterm elections ..."

It isn't always easy, though!

We're not sure which is hotter -- summertime in the south, or these new country tunes!

Yes, the nominees for Artist of the Year are all women -- but there's another factor to this nominations list that's even more striking.

Which talented songwriter gets your vote?

Cutest Couple? Best Comeback? They're all here ...