Jason Aldean wins first two CMA awards

Nov 10, 2011

Jason Aldean took home his first two trophies from the Country Music Association (CMA) on Wednesday after a breakthrough year and a sell-out tour.

NASHVILLE, Tennesse - Jason Aldean took home his first two trophies from the Country Music Association (CMA) on Wednesday after a breakthrough year and a sell-out tour.

Aldean won album of the year for the first time for "My Kinda Party" and musical event of the year for his "Don't You Wanna Stay" duet with Kelly Clarkson.

The wins -- the first ever CMA awards for the 34 year-old country rock singer -- put Aldean on course for a shot at the the prestigious entertainer of the year award toward the end of Wednesday's three-hour live TV broadcast.

"What a year!," said Aldean, who is also nominated for male vocalist of the year. "This is awesome."

Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton -- who is a judge on TV contest "The Voice" -- are also in the running for entertainer of the year, with Taylor Swift the sole female nominee for top honor.

Single of the year went to The Band Perry for "If I Die Young," which also won song of the year. Lady Antebellum won vocal group of the year and Sugarland took the award for vocal duo, as country music celebrated one of its biggest nights.

The CMA also saw performances and appearances by mainstream pop stars like Natasha Bedingfield and Lionel Richie, and Hollywood celebrities like Miss Piggy of Muppets fame in what was seen as the most pop-heavy award show in the association's 45 year history.

Reigning male vocalist of the year Shelton sang a duet with singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins of the movie hit song "Footloose", while country music icon Little Jimmy Dickens dressed up as teen pop idol Justin Bieber.

Co-hosts Paisley and singer Carrie Underwood sang an affectionate skit about outspoken country singer Hank Williams Jr, and comments last month in which he compared President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler.

Williams, 62, a rare face at awards shows, appeared midway to join in the joke, winning cheers and applause from the audience.

Glen Campbell, 75, who is wrapping up his 50-year career with a farewell tour after announcing he has Alzheimer's disease, will be honored by three of country music's finest guitarists -- Vince Gill, Paisley and Urban.

Fans will also see performances from veteran singer Faith Hill -- returning after a five-year absence -- while teen "American Idol" winner Scotty McCreery will make his CMA debut.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});