Taylor Swift and The Band Perry Win at 45th Country Music Awards

Taylor Swift has clinched the most-coveted entertainer of the year award at the 2011 Country Music Awards. It is the second time in three years the 21-year-old has won the top award at the CMAs – she also won in 2009, aged just 19.

Newcomers The Band Perry also took home three gongs for single of the year (for their hit “If I Die Young”), song of the year, and best new artist.

But despite that hat-trick of awards, it seems to be Swift who’s grabbing the headlines. Speaking at the three-hour gala in Nashville, Tennessee, she said:

“I’m so happy right now… You’ve made my year. Thank you so much.”

However, she was passed over in a further four categories, including female singer of the year, which went to Miranda Lambert instead.

Elsewhere on the podium, Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles, collectively known as Sugarland, won best vocal duo, and Jason Aldean won album of the year for “My Kind of Party.” Nashville’s Lady Antebellum earned the gong for best vocal group. Here’s a list of winners from the ceremony:

Entertainer of the Year: Taylor Swift
Song of the Year: “If I Die Young” – The Band Perry
Single of the Year: “If I Die Young” – The Band Perry
Album of the Year: My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean
Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton
Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert
Vocal Duo of the Year: Sugarland
Vocal Group of the Year: Lady Antebellum
Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally
New Artist of the Year: The Band Perry
Musical Event of the Year: “Don’t You Wanna Stay” – Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson
Music Video of the Year: “You and Tequila” – Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter