Yallwire News

Last night, The 43rd Annual CMA Awards certainly lived up to the motto "Country Music's Biggest Night." Taylor Swift captured the most wins - four in all. She became the youngest person ever to win the prestigious Entertainer of the Year, as well as the first solo female act in 10 years to win the honor, which was presented by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Swift also took the trophies for Female Vocalist, Album of the Year for Fearless and Music Video of the Year for "Love Story." Male Vocalist went to Brad Paisley for the third consecutive year, and he received a second award for Musical Event for his collaboration with Keith Urban on "Start A Band." Darius Rucker was voted New Artist. Lady Antebellum captured their first Vocal Group win and their hit "I Run To You" was voted Single of the Year. Sugarlandwas named Vocal Duo for the third year in a row. Songwriters Jamey Johnson, James Otto and Lee Thomas Miller were honored with Song of the Year for writing Johnson's hit "In Color." Musician of the Year was given to Mac McAnally.

Carrie Underwood's "Cowboy Casanova" with a group of scantily clad women which prompted her co-host Brad Paisley to quip, "You cannot believe the view that Little Jimmy Dickens got from backstage." Keith Urban sang his new single "'Til Summer Comes Around" and the Zac Brown Band brought the packed house to its feet with their rendition of Charlie Daniels' classic "The Devil Went Down To Georgia." Tim McGraw performed "Southern Voice" while photos of southern legends flashed in the background. Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles sang an emotional "Keep You" while Kristian Bush plucked an acoustic guitar accompanied by a complete string section. Brooks & Dunn performed their final farewell CMA performance - along with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top - singing "Honky Tonk Stomp." Kid Rock joined Jamey Johnson singing true blue country with a duet performance of Jamey's "Between Jennings and Jones." Taylor Swift opened the show with a performance of "Forever & Always" and then performed again her latest single "Fifteen" with a chorus of young teens surrounding her.

The surprise of the night went to Barbara Mandrell who was presented with a segment for entering the Country Music Hall of Fame this year. Martina McBride sang Mandrell's huge hit song "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool" along with Hall of Famer George Strait. {Ed. Note: Be sure to check for audio from the CMA Awards Backstage and About Last Night for TV clips.}