KENNY CHESNEY

Chesney picked up the gong for Entertainer of the Year for the fourth time and Underwood, who hosted the ceremony at the Sommet Center on Wednesday (12Nov08) night, was awarded Female Vocalist of the Year for the third consecutive year.

Underwood's co-host of the night, Brad Paisley, was given the nod for Male Vocalist of the Year.

Chesney, who was nominated for seven gongs at the ceremony, was clearly moved as he was handed his only award of the night by Shania Twain saying, "I'm really humbled and I really appreciate it."

Country music veteran George Strait picked up the coveted Album of the Year for Troubadour and Single of The Year, the first prize of the night, for I Saw God Today.

Paisley and Nicole Kidman's husband Keith Urban performed at the Country Music Association Awards, singing their new track Start A Band.

Other performers on the night included Chesney, Underwood, Strait - who sang with Taylor Swift - Shania Twain, Kid Rock and a surprise appearance by rapper Lil Wayne.

The main list of winners is as follows:

Entertainer of the Year: Kenny Chesney

Female Vocalist of the Year: Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year: Brad Paisley

New Artist of the Year: Lady Antebellum

Vocal Group of the Year: Rascal Flatts

Vocal Duo of the Year: Sugarland

Single of the Year: George Strait for I Saw God Today

Album of the Year: George Strait for Troubadour

Song of the Year: Jennifer Nettles for 'Stay'

Musical Event of the Year: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss for Gone Gone Gone

Music Video of the Year: Brad Paisley featuring Andy Griffith for Waitin’ On A Woman

Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally – Guitar

Source: WENN