Country music's biggest night was a night of firsts. The 46th annual CMA Awards broadcast was arguably the most unpredictable in years, as it wasn't all the usual suspects who graced the stage to thank country radio, fans and God.
Blake Shelton leads the pack of 2012 winners with three trophies to add to his mantle. The country powerhouse and beloved coach of "The Voice" first took home honors as a co-writer of wife Miranda Lambert's touching single, "Over You," which was inspired by Blake's older brother who died in a car accident. Next, he held onto his reign as Male Vocalist of the Year, winning that honor for the third year in a row. And for the first time in his career, the Oklahoma native won the CMA's top honor, Entertainer of the Year -- beating stiff competition in the category: Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and 2010-2011 Entertainer champ, Taylor Swift.
See a full list of 2012 CMA Award winners and nominees below. (*Winners in bold)
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
*Blake Shelton - WINNER
Taylor Swift
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelly Clarkson
*Miranda Lambert - WINNER
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
*Blake Shelton - WINNER
Keith Urban
Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
*Little Big Town - WINNERS
Zac Brown Band
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Love and Theft
Sugarland
The Civil Wars
*Thompson Square – WINNERS
New Artist of the Year
Lee Brice
Brantley Gilbert
*Hunter Hayes - WINNER
Love and Theft
Thompson Square
Album of the Year
Luke Bryan, Tailgates and Tanlines
*Eric Church, Chief - WINNER
Miranda Lambert, Four the Record
Dierks Bentley, Home
Lady Antebellum, Own the Night
Song of the Year (Award goes to songwriters)
Eli Young Band, "Even if It Breaks Your Heart" - written by Will Hoge and Eric Paslay
Blake Shelton, "God Gave Me You" - written by Dave Barnes
Dierks Bentley, "Home" - written by Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers
*Miranda Lambert, "Over You" - written by Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton - WINNERS
Eric Church, "Springsteen" - written by Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell
Single of the Year (Award goes to artist and producer)
Jason Aldean, "Dirt Road Anthem"
Blake Shelton, "God Gave Me You"
Dierks Bentley, "Home"
*Little Big Town, "Pontoon" - WINNERS
Eric Church, "Springsteen"
Musical Event of the Year
"Dixie Highway," Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band
*"Feel Like a Rock Star," Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw - WINNERS
"Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die," Willie Nelson featuring Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson
"Safe and Sound," Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars
"Stuck on You," Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker
Music Video of the Year
Eric Church, "Springsteen"
Kenny Chesney, "Come Over"
Miranda Lambert, "Over You"
Little Big Town, "Pontoon"
*Toby Keith, "Red Solo Cup" – WINNERS
Musician of the Year
Sam Bush
Paul Franklin
Dann Huff
Brent Mason
*Mac McAnally - WINNER
