The 42nd annual awards show served as the Brad Paisley’s coming out party country’s jack-of-all-trades. The singer/guitarist had four nominations and won two awards, he repeated his 2007 victory as male vocalist and video. He opened the show with the song Start a Band, a duet in which he and Keith Urban pay homage to classic rock songs with quotes from them. And he co-hosted with Carrie Underwood who was also a winner with her third straight female-vocalist award.

Kenny Chesney won the big one, entertainer of the year, for the third straight year and fourth overall. George Strait became the Country Music Association’s all-time champ Wednesday night in Nashville when he picked up four CMA Awards to bring his career total to 22. Sugarland picked up its second straight duo award, and singer Jennifer Nettles won best song for writing Stay. Alison Krauss collected her ninth trophy and Robert Plant his first, as Gone, Gone, Gone won musical event. Lady Antebellum won new artist and Rascal Flatts won its sixth straight group award.

Overall a very entertaining night and a great one for country music.