For the second time around in 25 years, country icon George Strait won Entertainment of the Year in this year's Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards.
The "King of Country Music" was applauded in standing ovation as received his award in MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. "It's been an amazing 30 years. Thank you so much for your support. I love all of you. Thank you so much," George Strait said in the midst of unstoppable applauding crowd.
The 61-year old country music icon flawlessly sang his latest single, "I got a car" in this year's awards night. He is set to retire after he wraps up his "The Cowboy Rides Away" tour in June.
Following Strait is Kacey Musgraves who won in the Album of the Year category for Same Trailer, Different Park. "I'm really proud to be a woman representing country music," Musgraves said.
Miranda Lambert won 3 awards including Female Vocalist of the Year and Single Record of the Year for her song, "Mama's Broken Heart." Lambert's awards this year adds up to her roster of ACMs which now tallies to 18 since she launched her career in the late 2000's.
Jason Aldean bagged the Male Vocalist of the Year. "This is really unexpected. It was a shock last year to win it and even a bigger shock this year, I think. ... It's been one hell of a ride, so I hope it doesn't end any time soon," said the 37-year old "Night Train" singer.
'American Idol' judge Keith Urban also took home 3 awards, including the Vocal Event of the Year which he shared with Lambert for the song, "We were us".
Other winners in this year's ACM awards are:
New Artist of the Year: Justin Moore
Vocal Group of the Year: The Band Perry
Song of the Year: I Drive Your Truck - Lee Brice (Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary)
Vocal Duo of the Year: Florida Georgia Line
Music video of the year: Highway Don't Care- Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban,
Crash my Party singer, Luke Bryan and The Voice's Blake Shelton hosts this year's show, and had a monologue after the Band Perry stunningly opened the awarding ceremonies with their "Chainsaw".
Bryan and Shelton bragged that the crowd was excited to hear new music. "And, if you don't like live music, go down the street and see Britney Spears," Shelton said.
The awards night featured performances from top country artists including the winners George Strait, Jason Aldean, Lee Brice, The Band Perry, Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban.
Country diva Faith Hill and her husband shared the stage with "Meanwhile, back at mamas". Rumor has it that Faith and Tim is having marriage troubles but the power couple did not seem to have during their fabulous performance.
Lady Antebellum and Steve Nicks also graced a fantastic rendition of song from the country band's latest album, Golden. Shakira, Sheryl Crow and Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Eric Church, among others also headlined performances during the show.
George Strait, who competed with Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton in Entertainer of the Year category, won the same award in the Country Music Association Awards in November last year. He has sold more than 70 million albums in the US and has received many accolades from award-giving bodies including the prestigious Grammy's.
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