Taylor Swift accepts the award for entertainer of the year during the 45th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)CHRIS TALBOTT, AP Entertainment Writer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A giddy Taylor Swift won her second entertainer of the year award and rising sibling act The Band Perry was the night’s top winner as The Country Music Association Awards celebrated the young women of country music on Wednesday night.
Swift was rewarded for an amazing year during which she brought country music to the Far East, scored hits all around the world and continued a run that’s made her country’s hottest young star for several years. She’s just the second woman to win the award twice, joining Barbara Mandrell.
“This is thanks to all the fans who filled the stadiums and arenas all over the world this year,” said Swift, who leaped from her seat with her hands in the air and jumped for joy. “I am so happy we had so many to play for this year. You have made my year.”
It was a melancholy song about dying young that ran hard against the tried-and-true country radio formula that had everyone’s attention most of the night, though. “If I Die Young,” written by Kimberly Perry, won song and single of the year and the band picked up new artist of the year as well.