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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Kenny Chesney won his fourth Entertainer of the Year award
and George Strait became the most-honored artist in CMA Awards
history at the ceremony, a show highlighted by a lavish performance by Taylor Swift, a surprise appearance by rapper Lil Wayne, and the return of one of country's biggest stars,
Shania Twain.
"You look really good," Chesney remarked to Twain, who wore a sexy, low-cut
dress as she presented Chesney with his award. Twain is one of country's
best-selling artists, but has spent the last several years out of the spotlight.
She hadn't been on the show in four years.
CMA Awards: Complete list of winners
After winning the evening's top award, Chesney said: "As much as tonight is
about awards, I really believe that being able to stand up here is more about
great songs, more about the fans, more about being onstage every night in front
of a lot of people that really make it happen for me and the band out there."
"This is my fourth time standing up here, and I'm really humbled and I really
appreciate it," added Chesney.
The award — his third straight win in the category — helped Chesney avoid a
shutout. He was the night's lead nominee with seven but did not pick up a trophy
in the other categories.
George Strait won both Single and Album of the Year awards. Strait thanked
the songwriters for "letting me sing such a beautiful song" after the poignant
"I Saw God Today" won Single of the Year. He later won Album of the Year for
"Troubadour."
"Everybody says they've got the greatest fans. Well, I've really got the
greatest fans," Strait said in accepting the album award.
Also winning two awards was Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. Sugarland won the award for Duo of the Year, and
earlier, Nettles won Song of the Year for Sugarland's hit "Stay."
"It's just been a gift from the beginning and been a gift to write and I hope
it's been a gift and touched your heart," she said in accepting the award.
Carrie Underwood, who co-hosted the show with Brad Paisley, won her third consecutive Female Vocalist of
the Year award.
"I just want to say, 'Mom, it's real hard to sing when you're in the second
row crying," a teary-eyed Underwood told her mother during her speech. It came
after her performance of her No. 1 hit "Just a Dream," about a woman who lost
her loved one in war. The song was introduced by Leslie Ponder whose husband
died during combat in Afghanistan.
The former "American Idol" champ also thanked
country fans. (Story Continues On Next Page...) |
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