Winners have been announced for the 45th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, a star-studded ceremony at the MGM GRAND in Las Vegas.
Once again, nearly half a million fans voted for the Entertainer of the Year category and named Carrie Underwood winner of the evening’s biggest honor. This is the second year in a row that Underwood has been named Entertainer of the Year.
Underwood is the first female to ever win the Entertainer of the Year award twice and only the 7th female to take the award in the 40 year history of this category; previous winners include Loretta Lynn in 1975, Dolly Parton in 1977, Barbara Mandrell in 1980, Reba McEntire in 1994, Shania Twain in 1999, The Dixie Chicks in 2000 and Underwood’s first Entertainer of the Year award in 2009.
Underwood also received the Triple Crown Award, thanks to her past wins for the categories of Entertainer of the Year, Top Female Vocalist and Top New Female Vocalist, which has been won by only one other female artist — Barbara Mandrell in 2004.
Brad Paisley won Top Male Vocalist and Miranda Lambert won Top Female Vocalist.
This is Paisley’s fourth consecutive win as Top Male Vocalist and Lambert’s first win as Top Female Vocalist. Brooks & Dunn won Top Vocal Duo and, in addition, the pair sang the fan-selected song “My Maria” as their final Academy of Country Music Awards performance.
Lady Antebellum took home their first Top Vocal Group honor; the group won a total of five honors in three categories during tonight’s telecast, making them the night’s top winners.
Also this evening, Montgomery Gentry was honored with the 9th annual ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC / The Home Depot Humanitarian Award, which salutes an artist or group in the country music industry who is committed to serving others, has a generosity of spirit and a dedication to helping build the dreams of those in need.
Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry devote their time and energy into making the needs of others a priority. They are active participants in many charitable organizations giving their time, talent and treasure.
Together, they have strongly served and supported the U.S. military and numerous charitable organizations including the TJ Martell Foundation, which Gentry serves as a board member.
They also provide their individual time to two deserving philanthropies. Montgomery gives his support to Camp Horsin’ Around in Lexington, KY, which provides a camp facility equipped for children with serious, chronic illnesses and physical difficulties. Also, Gentry bolsters the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
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