LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Carrie Underwood cried tears of joy as she took home the coveted entertainer of the year award at Sunday night's Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.
Underwood became just the seventh woman in 39 years to win the top prize, the last being the Dixie Chicks in 2000. Her victory also ended Kenny Chesney's run of winning the award for the past four years.
"I've had a lot of good moments in the past four years. This one takes the cake," said Underwood, who let out an emotional scream as she walked off the stage after claiming her trophy.
The 26-year-old former "American Idol" winner also won for top female vocalist.
Underwood wasn't alone in shifting the power in country music to the ladies. Taylor Swift took home album of the year honors behind her multi-platinum record "Fearless." The 19-year-old sensation was also presented with an ACM Crystal Milestone Award for bringing so many new young fans to country music.
"Oh my, thanks so much," said Swift of the honor. "I didn't know this was going to happen."
Julianne Hough also contributed to the female power shift by winning top new artist.
"It's a good thing my dress ripped – now I have something else to think about," joked Hough, a fan favorite on "Dancing With the Stars" who released her self-titled debut album in 2008.
Other notable winners included Rascal Flatts (top vocal group), Sugarland (top vocal duo), Trace Adkins (single of the year for "You're Going to Miss This"), Brad Paisley (top male vocalist) and Jake Owen (top new male vocalist).
Check out Academy of Country Music Awards Red Carpet Photos
44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Winners List:
Entertainer of the year: Carrie Underwood
Top male vocalist: Brad Paisley
Top female vocalist: Carrie Underwood
Top vocal group: Rascal Flatts
Top vocal duo: Sugarland
Top new artist: Julianne Hough
Top new male vocalist: Jake Owen
Top new female vocalist: Julianne Hough
Top new duo or vocal group: Zac Brown Band
Album of the year: "Fearless," Taylor Swift
Single record of the year: "You're Gonna Miss This," Trace Adkins
Song of the year: "In Color," Jamey Johnson
Video of the year: "Waitin' On a Woman," Brad Paisley
Vocal event of the year: "Start a Band," Brad Paisley and Keith Urban
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