Automatic is ACM Song of The Year

I called it last July. I thought that Miranda Lamberts Automatic would win song of the year. Sunday night it did just that. But there was something about the evening that I found even more interesting. Why? Because when they give this award the writer of the song gets some of the credit.

Last July I wrote a story about Automatic and who wrote the song. Nicolle Galyon and Natalie Hemby. The world of country music and the people who write and sing the songs is small. Natalie Hemby appeared with Miranda on stage last night and said, 'I want to be to you what Dean Dillon was to George Strait.'

• It’s a Two Song Race for Song of the Year So Far

Dillon wrote a ton of huge hits for George Strait. According to Wikipedia, Dillon has written several singles for George Strait, including "The Chair," "Nobody in His Right Mind Would've Left Her," "It Ain't Cool to Be Crazy About You," "Ocean Front Property," "Famous Last Words of a Fool," "I've Come to Expect It From You," "If I Know Me," "Easy Come, Easy Go," "Lead On," "The Best Day," "She Let Herself Go", "Living for the Night," "Drinkin' Man" and "I Believe".

It's a small group. In fact Nicolle's husband has had his hand in a load of country songs this past year. Rodney Clawson's name is attached to a ton of country hits from this past year.

Last July I called it. Part of it anyway. I've always felt that Automatic would be chosen for BIG awards. Last night it was chosen song of the year. Congratulation to Miranda, Nicolle and Natalie. It is an awesome song and you all deserved the big night that you had!