14 DAY TRIAL // The 44th annual Country Music Association Awards were last night and they turned out to be quite eventful. Miranda Lambert, boasting the most nomination, was also the biggest winner – and the belle of the ball.
Both Miranda and her fiancé Blake Shelton had an amazing night, the couple taking home the Vocalist of the Year accolades in their respective sections, Female and Male specifically.
The big surprise of the night was Brad Paisley, who was named for the first time in his career Entertainer of the Year, but also a surprisingly good live performance from Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow.
Back to the winners, Miranda got to walk home with 4 coveted statuettes, including for Album of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
In one of her acceptance speeches, the singer promised fans she would try to keep up with the wins because they inspire her to be better.
Being presented with an award from her idol, country music legend Loretta Lynn, also helped a lot with her promise, as People magazine also points out.
“The woman that paved the way for all females, ever, in country music is standing here beside me and handed me this award... I’m going to keep going for the other women in this industry,” Lambert said, fighting back tears.
Paisley was also very moved by the distinction bestowed upon him, thanking his wife for “rescuing me from despair” and noting that none of that could have been possible without his loyal fans.
“It sounds like a cliché when you say thanks to the fans … [and] I don’t even mean mine. You guys are loyal to everyone in this room. It’s the most amazing fan base in the world,” Paisley said, chocking.
Equally moving was a Loretta Lynn tribute performance by Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow. Other performances included the above-mentioned debut by Paltrow, and a cover of Beyonce’s “If I Were a Boy” by Reba McEntire.
Below is the entire list of winners at the 2010 CMA Awards:
Entertainer of the Year: Brad Paisley Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton New Artist of the Year: Zac Brown Band Vocal Group of the Year: Lady Antebellum Vocal Duo of the Year: Sugarland Single of the Year: “Need You Now,” Lady Antebellum Album of the Year: Revolution, Miranda Lambert Song of the Year: “The House That Built Me,” Miranda Lambert Musical Event of the Year: “Hillbilly Bone,” Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins Music Video of the Year: “The House that Built Me,” Miranda Lambert Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally, guitar