Nominees Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert (Twitter/@carrieunderwood)

This year, the combined category brings together some of country music’s biggest powerhouses and newer artists looking to steal the spotlight. Will the Grammy end up next to the others on Carrie Underwood’s mantle? Or will Hunter Hayes finally score his first win? Let’s take a closer look at the nominees:

Hunter Hayes – “Invisible”

Hunter Hayes has yet to win a Grammy, but he’s proven his staying power with three consecutive nominations, first for “Wanted” in 2013, then “I Want Crazy” and now “Invisible.” Once again, Hayes seems like a long shot for the win, but his star is undeniably on the rise. He might just surprise everyone.

READ MORE: Grammys 2015: Predicting 'Song Of The Year'

Eric Church – “Give Me Back My Hometown”

With four studio albums, a die-hard fan base and three previous Grammy nominations but no wins, Eric Church finally seems primed for a breakthrough. He’s set to perform at the awards show and is nominated for all four country categories (including Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Raise ‘Em Up,” his collaboration with fellow nominee Keith Urban), so it’s not inconceivable that he could walk away with his first win.

Keith Urban – “Cop Car”

Keith Urban is a country music mainstay and there’s no denying his Grammy legacy. He’s never been nominated in this combined category before, but he has four wins and six nominations for Best Male Country Vocal Performance to his name. It remains to be seen whether or not he can hold his own against the powerhouse ladies.

READ MORE: Grammys 2015: Predicting 'Record Of The Year'

Carrie Underwood – “Something in the Water”

This year, the category will likely come down to a battle between two of the biggest women in country music right now. Carrie Underwood has been a Grammy favorite since she won the fourth season of “American Idol.” Having already taken home six Grammys since 2007, Underwood and her song “Something in the Water” will be tough to beat.

Miranda Lambert – “Automatic”

But if there’s anyone who can beat Carrie Underwood (and hasn’t decided to go pop), it’s Miranda Lambert. She hasn’t won since “The House that Built Me” in 2010, but with her album “Platinum” and its single “Automatic,” she swept the CMA Awards, even beating out Underwood for Best Female Vocalist. Lambert has been on a roll lately and she isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

The Grammys air on CBS Sunday at 8/7c.

Check out all of Neon Tommy's Grammy coverage here.

Reach Film Editor Reid Nakamura here.