CMA Awards 2011: Taylor Swift Wins Big; The Band Perry Dominates (VIDEO)
The 45th annual Country Music Awards have honored Taylor Swift with the 2011 Best Artist of the Year trophy.
Wednesday night marked Swift’s second time winning the top award. The 22-year-old exclaimed, “I’m so happy right now,” when she took the stage to receive the trophy.
She added, “Thanks to all the fans who filled up those stadiums and arenas all over the world this year… This is amazing!”
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Swift mentioned Justin Bieber, Kenny Chesney, and Nicki Minaj who she has collaborated with this year and thanked the artists for helping her earn the prize.
Watch Swift accept her award here.
Also honored during the awards ceremony was The Band Perry who took home Song of the Year and Single of the Year for their hit single, “If I Die Young.”
“We just wanted to thank everyone so much for the last few years that you’ve given my brothers and me,” said Kimberly Perry receiving the award onstage with siblings Reid and Neil. “We promise to keep working hard every day out on the road and here at home in Nashville to continue to earn this award.”
Newlyweds Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert each took home Male and Female Vocalist of the Year, respectively.
“I’m very, very humbled at this moment to be standing up here in front of these amazing females who are here and deserve it… more than I do,” said Lambert. Her acceptance speech also included a message to her husband, “Congrats to my hubby too, it’s gonna be a good night tonight baby!”
Shelton took the stage after being announced winner of the award for the second time, saying, “I really didn’t prepare anything to say at all. I didn’t think ya’ll would let me get away with this two times.”
The full list of 2011 CMA winners follows.
Entertainer of the Year: Taylor Swift
Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert
Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton
New Artist of the Year: The Band Perry
Vocal Group of the Year: Lady Antebellum
Vocal Duo of the Year: Sugarland
Single of the Year: “If I Die Young,” The Band Perry
Album of the Year: “My Kinda Party,” Jason Aldean
Song of the Year: “If I Die Young,” The Band Perry
Musical Event of the Year: “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson
Music Video of the Year: “You and Tequila,” Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter
Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally, Guitar
The CMA’s included numerous performances by today’s top country musical artists such as Keith Urban, Sugarland, Luke Bryan, and The Zac Brown Band. The final performance was given by Faith Hill who sang “Come Home,” the first song off of her upcoming album.
