Kenny Chesney gets entertainer of the year at ACM Awards

LAS VEGAS -- The Academy of Country Music paid tribute to a youngster and some oldsters Tuesday, as veteran George Strait won the song of the year, newcomer Carrie Underwood claimed album of the year and the venerable Brooks & Dunn were honored as top vocal duo for an unprecedented 14th time.

Strait, who came into the competition with a leading eight nominations, claimed the first award of the night, winning song of the year for "Give It Away."

Underwood, the 2005 "American Idol" winner, won album of the year for her debut CD, "Some Hearts," and was honored as top female vocalist.

Strait was also nominated for entertainer of the year, along with Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and two-time winner Kenny Chesney, who took home this year's trophy.

Miranda Lambert won new female vocalist, beating out former "American Idol" contestant Kellie Pickler and teenage country star Taylor Swift.

Brad Paisley was named male vocalist of the year, the only category in which he was nominated. Rascal Flatts captured best vocal group.

The entertainment-driven program, hosted by Reba McEntire, was slated to hand out just a dozen awards. The show aired live on CBS from the MGM Grand hotel-casino, with a tape-delayed broadcast for the West Coast.

Along with the top nominees, performers were to include Martina McBride, Josh Turner, Toby Keith, Sugarland and Paisley.

Brooks & Dunn earlier were named recipients of the Home Depot Humanitarian Award, joining past honorees McEntire, Vince Gill, Lonestar, McBride and Neal McCoy. The group will be honored with two playgrounds to be built in cities of their choice.

"It's a pretty cool thing. I told them we're a duo, so they should give us two. They didn't blink an eye," Dunn said. He is looking for a playground spot in Nashville. Partner Kix Brooks has chosen Shreveport, La.

Other artists whose awards were announced before Tuesday's show include: Producer Dann Huff; bass, Glenn Worf; drums, Eddie Bayers; fiddle, Aubrey Haynie; guitar, Brent Mason; keyboard, John Hobbs; specialty instrument (fiddle, mandolin), Stuart Duncan; steel guitar, Michael Johnson.

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Academy of Country Music: www.acmcountry.com