The 45th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) awards, took place on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, in Nashville, Tennessee. This year's award show, co-hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, is dubbed as "country music's biggest night."
Taylor Swift Reclaims "Entertainer of the Year" Award
Country-pop sensation Taylor Swift was crowned "Entertainer of the Year." This marks her second win since 2009. She was presented the award by country queen Reba McEntire. In her genuine accepetance speech, Swift thanked her fans for supporting her on her latest tour, the Speak Now World Tour, as well as many artists that came out to perform with her, which included Justin Bieber, Tim McGraw, Nicki Minaj, Nelly, Usher, among many others.
By winning this prestigious honor for a second time, Swift is now tied with country pioneer Barbara Mandrell as the female country artist with most "Entertainer of the Year" wins, who was honored with the top prize consecutively in 1980 and 1981 .
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Win Major Awards
This year's Male and Female Vocalist of the Year honors went to newly wed country couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. This marks the second consecutive year that both artists win these categories. The previous time this has happened in CMA history, was when Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were named Male and Female Vocalist in 2000.
The Band Perry Win Three CMA Awards
The Band Perry, which consists of real-life siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry, took home three awards for "New Artist of the Year," as well as "Song of the Year" and "Single of the Year" for their chart-topping hit "If I Die Young," which was written solely by Kimberly.
The trio of siblings performed their latest single "All Your Life" at this year's ceremony.
Martina McBride Wows with "I'm Gonna Love You Through It"
This star-studded event featured many performances by some of country music's hottest female singers such as Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Sara Evans, and Carrie Underwood, however, the highlight vocal was Martina McBride's stellar rendition of her powerhouse single "I'm Gonna Love You Through It."
Faith Hill Returns to CMA Stage with New Single
Mississippi darling Faith Hill returns to the CMA stage, for the first time in five years, and debuts her newest radio single "Come Home."
Other 2011 CMA Award Recipients
Multiple-CMA award nominee Jason Aldean garnered two honors for "Album of the Year" for My Kinda Party, and his duet "Don't You Wanna Stay" with American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson was named "Musical Event of the Year"; the latter award was announced prior to the live telecast.
Sugarland was awarded their fifth win in the "Vocal Duo of the Year" category, meanwhile Lady Antebellum accepted their third "Vocal Group of the Year" trophy.
Although "You and Tequila," which was co-penned by Matraca Berg and Deana Carter failed to win "Song of the Year," it received an accolade for "Music Video of the Year" for Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter.
For more information on the 45th Annual CMA awards, visit their official website.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
