"This is the first time that I've ever won this and I'm just losing my mind," Swift said, as she fought back tears. Lambert retained her crown as top female vocalist and her wistful tune "The House That Built Me" was honored for single, song and video of the year at the 46th annual awards ceremony.
The award for single goes to the artist and producer, whereas the trophy for best song is given to the artist and composer. Lambert, a 27-year-old Texan, went into the ceremony with a leading seven nominations, including two in the video category.
The country trio Lady Antebellum won trophies for album and vocal group of the year and Brad Paisley was named top male vocalist for the fifth consecutive year. The award for top new artist went to The Band Perry, a sibling trio from Mississippi.
Kenny Chesney, with five nominations, and Keith Urban, with three, went home empty-handed. The announcement of winners took second place to a string of performances divided between two hotel venues, the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay. The winner of the first award was not revealed until almost an hour into the three-hour ceremony.
The show was hosted by Reba McEntire for the 13th year. She was joined by first-timer Blake Shelton, Lambert's fiance.
2011 Academy of Country Music Nominees & * Winners
Entertainer of the Year
* Taylor Swift
Jason Aldean
Toby Keith
Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Keith Urban
Top Male Vocalist of the Year
* Brad Paisley
Jason Aldean
Blake Shelton
George Strait
Keith Urban
Top Female Vocalist of the Year
* Miranda Lambert
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack
Top Vocal Duo of the Year
* Sugarland
The JaneDear Girls
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Top Vocal Group of the Year
* Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Randy Rogers Band
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Top New Solo Vocalist of the Year
* Eric Church
Easton Corbin
Randy Houser
Top New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year
* The Band Perry
The JaneDear Girls
Steel Magnolia
Top New Solo Artist
* The Band Perry
Eric Church
Album of the Year
* Need You Now -- Lady Antebellum
Hemingway’s Whiskey – Kenny Chesney
The Guitar Song – Jamey Johnson
Speak Now – Taylor Swift
Up on the Ridge – Dierks Bentley
You Get What You Give -- Zac Brown Band
Single Record of the Year
* The House That Built Me -- Miranda Lambert
A Little More Country Than That – Easton Corbin
As She’s Walking Away -- Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson
If I Die Young – The Band Perry
Love Like Crazy – Lee Brice
The Boys of Fall – Kenny Chesney
Song of the Year
* The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
A Little More Country Than That – Easton Corbin
As She’s Walking Away – Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson
If I Die Young – The Band Perry
Love Like Crazy – Lee Brice
Video of the Year
* The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
Hillbilly Bone – Blake Shelton Featuring Trace Adkins
Only Prettier – Miranda Lambert
Stuck Like Glue – Sugarland
The Boys of Fall – Kenny Chesney
Vocal Event of the Year
* As She’s Walking Away – Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson
Blue Sky – Emily West Featuring Keith Urban
Coal Miner’s Daughter – Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert
Good to Be Me – Uncle Kracker Featuring Kid Rock
Source: Reuters