The women of country music ruled last night at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards from Las Vegas. Carrie Underwood captured entertainer of the year, winning the top honor that has eluded women for nearly a decade, while Taylor Swift won album of the year and Julianne Hough snagged top new artist.
Country music's boys' club was adjourned for the year when Underwood broke Kenny Chesney's four-year win streak and became the first woman to hold the Entertainer of the Year title since the Dixie Chicks in 2000. She was the only woman nominated for the top prize and at 26 by far the youngest. "Thank you God. I never thought I'd be nominated, I never thought I would win. I don't know what to say. I've got nothing," she said before letting out an emotional scream and spinning as she walked off stage.
Chesney, who missed the chance to tie Alabama for most entertainer of the year awards, kissed Underwood as she walked up to accept the honor. “He told me he was proud of me,” said Underwood, who’s enjoyed astounding success since winning “American Idol” in 2005 with eight No. 1 country hits including the signature single, “Jesus Take the Wheel.”
In 39 years of recognizing a top entertainer, the academy has granted the honor to a woman seven times, including Underwood. The others were Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks. Each won once.
Swift, another woman dominating not only country music but the entire industry, won album of the year for her sophomore disc "Fearless." Swift, who had four nominations going into Sunday's show, also got a special honor as McEntire presented her with an ACM Crystal Milestone Award for bringing so many young people to country music.
Sugarland broke Brooks & Dunn's lock on the vocal duo award, and lead singer Jennifer Nettles received an ACM Crystal Milestone Award for her songwriting.
Rascal Flatts beat Alabama's record of six consecutive wins for vocal group of the year when the trio won their seventh consecutive ACM vocal group of the year trophy.
The full list of winners at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards is:
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