Carrie Underwood was the big winner at 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards Sunday, April 5, with the former American Idol star landing the most wanted award of the night. She was named Entertainer of the Year at the Las Vegas event, thus securing her status as country's hottest star and becoming only the seventh woman in 39 years to take home the honour and the first since the Dixie Chicks back in 2000.
"I've had a lot of good moments in the past four years. This one takes the cake," the tearful singer said in accepting her award. "Thank you God, thank you fans, thank you to ACM for nominating me in the first place. I never thought I'd be nominated and never thought I'd win. I'm shaking. I don't know what to say." However, she managed to mention her boyfriend, Ottawa Senators hockey player Mike Fisher, in her acceptance speech.
Underwood snatched the trophy from Kenny Chesney, who won the prize for the past four years. Backstage, she called it an honor to be only the seventh female to win, joining such country icons as Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell and the night's host, Reba McEntire.
Carrie was also named Top Female Vocalist for the second year running. "I feel like I just won American Idol all over again," she said when given the award. "It is my belief that country music makes the world a better place, and I'm so glad to be a part of country music,” she added.
