As 2013 comes to a close, the question has to be asked: Who in country music had the best year? Taste of Country has compiled a list of 16 candidates, split them into two groups and thrown open the voting booths. Now, it's up to you to decide: Who was the hottest country star of 2013?

Voting for Hottest Male Country Star of 2013 begins on Monday (Oct. 21). ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan has to be a favorite, but it's tough to overlook the red-hot Florida Georgia Line and the success Jason Aldean and Blake Shelton have had. Keith Urban has one of the best albums of the year, TIm McGraw had a very successful year touring as well as a great new album and Jake Owen seemed to be everywhere, while Gary Allan proved to be a ToC reader favorite.

On the female side, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are perennial favorites, but Kellie Pickler may be the smart money bet. The Band Perry belong on this ballot, and because Kimberly Perry is the lead singer, we grouped the trio with the ladies. Newcomers Danielle Bradbery and Kacey Musgraves round out the Hottest Female Country Star of 2013 nominees with country 'newcomer' Sheryl Crow.

Round 1 voting begins with the men. Voting for the women kicks off Tuesday (Oct. 22). You can vote once every day until this round ends on Nov. 3, 2013 at 11:59PM ET. Rounds two and three will last one week, while a championship round pairing the male and female bracket winners will last five days. The Hottest Country Star of 2013 will be determined after voting closes on Nov. 22 at 11:59PM ET.

Hottest Country Male Round 1 Bracket
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Hottest Country Female Round 1 Bracket
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