CMA honors year’s top musicians

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kenny Chesney won entertainer of the year and Carrie Underwood took home female vocalist and single of the year honors at the Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday.

“God has blessed me with so many wonderful things,” said Underwood, who gained fame by winning “American Idol.” “If you told me a few years ago I had been nominated with the people I’m nominated with, I would have called you absolutely insane.”

Brad Paisley, who won male vocalist, teared up as he thanked his father, who he said carried amplifiers and ran sound “even though he didn’t know what he was doing.”

“I can’t tell you what this means to me to win this. I always wanted to win this award at least once – this will do,” said Paisley, who also won music video for his hit “Online.”

Sugarland won vocal duo of the year, breaking Brooks & Dunn’s long-standing lock on the award, and 17-year-old Taylor Swift won the horizon award for newcomer.

Rascal Flatts opened the show with the title track to its latest album, “Still Feels Good,” while a montage of country stars flashed on large screens behind them, including a photo of Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner. Wagoner died last week of lung cancer.