Since 2014, The Boot has hosted the Golden Boot Awards, our very own fan-voted digital awards series, each spring. Beginning in 2018, however, the Golden Boot Awards are moving: Now, they will take place at the end of the year, to better align with the annual news cycle ... and to make way for the all-new Golden Mic Awards.

Recognizing the best in live country and Americana music, The Boot's Golden Mic Awards are debuting in 2018 with nine categories, each featuring staff-selected nominees who rule the stage. This week (April 23-27), The Boot will reveal 2018's Golden Mic Awards categories ... and then, it will be up to you, our readers, to crown the winners.

After each Golden Mic Awards category is revealed, readers will be able to vote for their preferred winner in each category as often as once per hour through 11:59PM ET on May 23. We'll announce the winners on the site the next day, May 24.

The 2018 Golden Mic Awards' Best Theater Act category features 10 country and Americana stars whose names readers likely know well. In addition to selling out venues throughout the country (and elsewhere!), a number of these artists have been well-recognized at awards shows including the ACMs, CMAs and Grammys.

Sam Hunt has dominated the charts since he hit the country music scene a few years back, but his touring plans got a massive boost in 2017 thanks to the smash hit "Body Like a Back Road," which earned Hunt a whole new legion of fans. Little Big Town, meanwhile, are in this category thanks to their 2017 residency at the Ryman Auditorium; their charismatic energy sets them apart in the world of live performances.

Jason Isbell and his uber-talented band, the 400 Unit, give their audiences a powerful live experience each and every night, as does Sturgill Simpson, who pulls no musical punches in delivering passionate and unadulterated skill to fans on the road. Their fellow nominee Jake Owen knows how to bring the party to the stage with throwback covers, powerhouse openers and even a horn section in his backing band.

Brett Eldredge recently launched his The Long Way Tour, after opening for big names such as Keith Urban and Luke Bryan. His buddy Thomas Rhett, too, cut his touring teeth as an opener for megastars including Lady Antebellum and Jason Aldean, and now he's holding his own as a headliner.

Kacey Musgraves is nothing if not fearless onstage, delivering a quirky live act only upstaged by her undeniable talent. Kelsea Ballerini has been captivating live audiences as well, quickly moving up in the ranks of the country music world. And bluegrass legend Alison Krauss continues to draw in audiences thanks to her raw talent and never-ending setlist of hits -- not to mention her Grammy Awards-winning band, Union Station.

For for your pick for Best Theater Act in the poll below!

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