It’s been a great year for country music, and the music industry in general, as CD sales are actually up for the first time in a very long time. Part of this, I believe, is that there really was an abundance of terrific music released.

Below, I offer my opinion on what were the 10 best albums of the year in no particular order. It’s always a tough task to come up with only 10, as some very worthy albums can’t be included by the very nature of a “Top 10” list. So please, if your favorite album isn’t on here, let us know what you loved and what got you singing along all year long. And don’t forget to check out our album review section for reviews of these CDs and more, HERE!

Pistol Annies: Hell On Heels

Pistol Annies' 2011 CD, Hell On Heels. Photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Born out of a midnight conversation between singer/songwriters Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley, the  album Hell On Heels had the initial feel of a one-off side project. Peel back the layers, though, on this tough-as-nails collection, and it’s immediately evident that these three kindred spirits were channeling something worth a whole lot of attention. Reminiscent of classic outlaw women like Loretta Lynn, Hell On Heels stares weighty subject matter straight in the face while taking on issues like class struggle, teen pregnancy and looking out for number one. Stripped down to a foundation of acoustic and reverb-tinged guitars, the textured harmonies are bright as each of these immensely talented women add their unique voice. Hell On Heels debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 5 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart upon its release. Key tracks – “Hell On Heels,” “Housewife’s Prayer,” “Beige,” “Boys from the South”

Vince Gill: Guitar Slinger

Vince Gill's 2011 CD, Guitar Slinger. Photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

On the follow-up to his epic, Grammy-award winning set These Days, Vince Gill opts for an introspective approach both in his songwriting and guitar playing. Thoughtful guitar lines weave in between philosophical meditations on life and death, human nature and love. Grammy-nominated single “Threaten Me With Heaven” ponders the hereafter with a bittersweet sentiment while the thumping outlaw number “Billy Paul” questions how a seemingly sane person can go crazy so suddenly. Vince’s guitar work is exceptional as he showcases bluesy, instinctive leads at every turn. And he even packs a little of that R&B soul into his voice on songs like “When The Lady Sings the Blues.” Guitar Slinger debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 14 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart when it was released. Key tracks – “Threaten Me With Heaven,” “Guitar Slinger,” “Who Wouldn’t Fall In Love With You,” “The Old Lucky Diamond Motel”

Eric Church: Chief

Eric Church's 2011 CD, Chief. Photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

Eric Church’s third album, Chief, is a defining work for the 34-year old North Carolina singer/songwriter. Sure, his first two records elicited some pretty solid acclaim and commercial success, but this time around Eric sounds more comfortable and confident than ever, while seemingly finding his “sound.” The result is a hard country adventure through songs full of temptation, love, nostalgia and a few good times with a couple iced-down cold ones. On Chief, Eric pushes himself harder than ever, both lyrically and musically. He’s not afraid to blend Southern Gospel with crunchy rock guitar (“Country Music Jesus”), or R&B roots with atmospheric grooves (“Hungover & Hard Up”). It’s the hugely successful combination of these different elements and willingness to push the envelope that provides support for Eric’s soulful voice and intelligent approach. Chief landed at the top of the Billboard Top 200 all-genre chart upon its release, has already been certified Gold and is also nominated for the GRAMMY Country Album of the Year award. Key tracks – “Creepin’,” “Hungover & Hard Up,” “Springsteen,” “I’m Getting Stoned”

David Nail: The Sound of a Million Dreams

David Nail's 2011 CD, The Sound of a Million Dreams. Photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

Bluesy piano, raw slide guitar and a voice that bears the complexities of its subjects, The Sound of a Million Dreams comes alive with stirring southern soul. On his sophomore album, David Nail dives deeper into the R&B-infused country that earned him a Grammy nomination last year. The shake of “Grandpa’s Farm,” packed with country nostalgia and gospel back-up singers, or the hard charging “She Rides Away,” demonstrates David’s vocal depth while always conveying the song’s true emotional undertones. While his blue-eyed soul and dapper look in some ways break from current Nashville trends, the stories and characters of songs like “That’s How I’ll Remember You” connect deeply with a downhome and authentic feel. The Sound of a Million Dreams debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Key tracks – “She Rides Away,” “Catherine,” “Catch You While I Can,” “Let It Rain”

Brad Paisley: This is Country Music

Brad Paisley's 2011 CD This Is Country Music.

On This is Country Music, Brad Paisley takes on the challenge of representing an entire musical genre on one, 15-song collection. There’s acoustic-based traditional country (“Toothbrush” with singing fiddle and pedal steel), Southern rock power (“Old Alabama” featuring icons Alabama) and bluegrass (“Be the Lake” showcasing some fancy banjo pickin’), as well as other influences ranging from the Nashville Sound to Southern Gospel. Joined by guests including Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and Clint Eastwood, Brad ties the expansive project together with his twanged-out virtuoso guitar playing and unique sense of humor; i.e. the revved-up “Camoflague” uses country-fried guitar licks while telling the story of the high school kid who painted his Chevy Cavalier 100% camo. This is Country Music debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, No. 2 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart and was nominated for CMA Album of the Year. It has also been certified Gold.  Key tracks – “This Is Country Music,” “New Favorite Memory,” “Working on a Tan,” “Eastwood”

Ronnie Milsap: Country Again

Ronnie Milsap's 2011 CD, Country Again.

On the title track “Country Again,” Grand Ole Opry member Ronnie Milsap breaks it down for all the young’uns. The ’70s outlaw-feeling tune tells the story of a Dodge truck – that just so happens to be a time machine. After returning from a trip to the future, the truck’s driver, Tommy, shocks his neighbors even more with tales of true blue, authentic country music on the radio. This anecdote alone should give heavy indication that Country Again leans uber-traditional, and no one can do it quite like Ronnie. Walking the line between aching honky tonk and polished Nashville Sound, Ronnie brings the twang on his first new set in five years while tracks like “Almost Mine” showcase his fine touch and feel behind the piano. Key tracks – “Country Again,” “You’re The Reason I’m Living,” “Oh Linda,” “If You Don’t Want Me To”

Toby Keith: Clancy’s Tavern

Toby Keith's new album Clancy's Tavern is in stores now!

Like your favorite neighborhood pub, Clancy’s Tavern gathers an intriguing cast of characters with some very entertaining stories. There’s the lonely guy in the corner staring at his beer (the country blues shuffle “I Need To Hear A Country Song”). Over at the bar, two lost souls search for meaning that won’t be there in the morning (the slow, melancholy “Just Another Sundown”). Then there’s the dark, seedy figure in the back booth (the spooky “Club Zydeco Moon”) and the loud frat guys with all the laughs (the absurdly catchy “Red Solo Cup”). And while everyone carries on, Toby Keith tends the bar, pouring drinks and slipping in thoughtful lines about perception and love as he serves up his best album in years. Clancy’s Tavern debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 5 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart. Key tracks – “Just Another Sundown,” “I Need To Hear A Country Song,” “Beers Ago,” “Red Solo Cup”

Alison Krauss & Union Station: Paper Airplane

Alison Krauss & Union Station's 2011 CD, Paper Airplane. Photo courtesy of Rounder Records.

On their first new studio album in seven years, Alison Krauss and Union Station return to the stirring bluegrass they helped bring to the mainstream. With an angelic voice that weaves effortlessly through the intricate arrangements provided by bandmates including Barry Bales (bass) and Ron Block (banjo), Alison leads evocative pieces like the haunting “Lie Awake” and tormented “My Love Follows You Where You Go.” The playing is impeccable with acoustic intonation that is vibrant and pure. Songs like “On The Outside Looking In,” sung with an authentic blue-collar rawness by guitarist Dan Tyminski, jump from the speakers while Jerry Douglas’ virtuoso dobro work remains captivating as ever. Paper Airplane debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, No. 3 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart and marked Alison’s most first week sales with 83k. Key tracks – “Lie Awake,” “On The Outside Looking In,” “Sinking Stone,” “My Opening Farewell”

Sunny Sweeney: Concrete

Sunny Sweeney photo courtesy of Republic Nashville.

A bottle of red, a bottle of white/ Which one will it be?/ I can’t decide, Texan singer/songwriter Sunny Sweeney sings with a flippant kiss-off on the opening track “Drink Myself Single.” It’s the first glimpse of smoke from the fire spreading just below the surface of Concrete, and it certainly isn’t the last. Throughout the 10-song collection, Sunny confronts her cheating man’s wife a la Dolly Parton on the bluegrass-tinged “Amy,” strikes a no-nonsense pose that includes a few threats on “Helluva Heart,” and struggles with her inner rebel trying to break free on “The Old Me.” Sunny’s a complicated woman, and the closing track “Fall For Me” shows this best with a subtle daydream about the object of her affection. Produced with a modern edge and beautiful harmonies against classic honky tonk influences, Concrete is solid evidence that the fire is just getting started. Concrete debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Albums chart when it was released.  Key tracks – “From A Table Away,” “Mean As You,” “Hulluva Heart,” “Fall For Me”

Miranda Lambert: Four the Record

Miranda Lambert's 2011 CD, Four The Record. Photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Even at her quietest, most introspective moments, singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert’s voice maintains its power. On her fourth album, Miranda trades in a few of the anthems, but not the intensity, that has brought her both critical and commercial success. Ballads like “Over You” showcase her strikingly emotional and melodic voice while “Better In the Long Run” (a duet with husband Blake Shelton) rolls along with expressive descriptions of making love work despite the struggles. Four the Record is packed with insightful moments that continue to highlight Miranda’s growth as an artist and her adventurous spirit. The sexy “Fine Tune” utilizes a talk box and R&B groove, and the beautiful, atmospheric “Oklahoma Sky” sprawls open and free to a methodical acoustic guitar. This isn’t to say that Miranda doesn’t let loose. The unhinged “Mama’s Broken Heart” is brilliant, and together with the rebellious “Fastest Girl In Town,” provides more than enough evidence that no one can channel the chaos quite like Miranda. Four the Record debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 3 on the Top 200 all-genre album chart upon its release. Key tracks – “Mama’s Broken Heart,” “Fine Tune,” “Better In The Long Run,” “Look at Miss Ohio”

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Lauren Alaina performs at the 2011 Country Christmas at the Bridgestone Arena on November 10, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

Country stars revealed the best Christmas presents they’ve ever received on the red carpet of the CMA Awards and it sounds like pets were a popular gift choice! Guitars, toys and even baby sisters were also listed by country stars as memorable gifts from their childhood.

“I got a miniature dachshund when I was in the third grade,” Brantley Gilbert shared. “That was my buddy all the way up through high school.”

The Band Perry also received a pet one memorable Christmas, but it was slightly bigger than Brantley’s miniature dog. “I remember one year we got, the three of us, a carriage and a horse to pull it,” Kimberly Perry recalled. “We were so excited.”

For Lauren Alaina, her favorite gift was a set of wheels. “My little Barbie bike when I was like three,” she said. “I had a fit. I have the cutest little picture. I thought I owned the world that day so it’d probably be the Barbie bike.”

Several artists mentioned receiving their first guitars for Christmas, including Chris Young. “When I was a little kid, not a real little kid, but I got my first guitar,” Chris said. “That’s probably been more important than any other gifts I’ve gotten so far.”

Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town listed her favorite gift as someone near and dear to her. “My baby sister,” she said. “She was born right before Christmas.” Fellow LBT member Karen Fairchild didn’t try to follow up with her favorite gift memory. “I can’t beat that,” she said. “What am I gonna say, a camera?”

Watch this video below to find out what Scotty McCreery, Darius Rucker, Lionel Ritchie and more reveal as their favorite Christmas gifts and then tell us – what’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received? Lastly, if you’re like us and still not finished with your Christmas shopping, check out our Holiday Gift Guide for some great ideas! Or, bake your gifts using recipes from the stars in our 12 Days of Country Cookies section!

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina & Martina McBride perform on ABC's CMA Country Christmas, the concert special airing Thursday, December 1 at 9/8 CT.

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles will again host CMA Country Christmas, the concert special airing Thursday, December 1 at 9/8 CT on ABC. The holiday special will include performances and stories from some of country music’s biggest stars and was filmed at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 10.

During the special, Sugarland will perform the Christmas classic “Silent Night” while American Idol runner up Lauren Alaina will make an appearance to sing “Grown Up Christmas List.” Fans will also see Keith Urban perform an intimate version of “The Christmas Song,”  Martina McBride share her rendition of “Please Come Home For Christmas,” and Darius Rucker perform his rocking version of “Winter Wonderland.”

See photos from last year’s CMA Country Christmas! >>

Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, and Brian Setzer with special guest Brad Paisley also perform Christmas favorites during the special. Vince Gill will also appear in a special duet with Miss Piggy.

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Eric Church photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

Eric Church scored his first CMA nomination in the Top New Artist category at last week’s CMA Awards and also performed during the live show for the first time. Eric’s performance and nomination helped him achieve the second largest increase in music sales this week behind only The Band Perry. Eric’s album sales increased by 61% while his single sales increased 168%.

See photos of Eric Church from the CMA Awards »

During his performance, Eric focused on his fans and delivered a high energy rendition of his current single, “Drink In My Hand.” “To see so many fans come out to support the record and now to see a new crop of fans discover the music through this appearance, well, it gives me a lot to be thankful for this holiday season,” Eric said.

To say thank you to his fans, Eric is offering an exclusive limited edition hardcover photo book, Eric Church: A Song To Sing. The book includes over 350 exclusive photos spanning Eric’s entire career, so far. Only a limited number are available for order at www.ericchurch.com. As an added bonus, Eric will autograph several copies of the book to be shipped to fans at random.

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Country music stars sure love Twitter! This week, Twitter was buzzing with news from the CMA Awards. Taylor Swift and The Band Perry, the night’s big winners, tweeted pictures of their thank yous while Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum also offered their thanks. Martina McBride and Sara Evans had a glam night out, but had to go home and be moms the next day, complete with orthodontist appointments and school! Here are our picks for the Top 10 Country Tweets Of The Week.

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/taylorswift13.

Taylor Swift – TaylorSwift13: My thank you’s. And my cat. Good night!

Kellie Pickler – KelliePickler: At my dress fitting for the CMA’s…wouldn’t it be nice if it were the “Comfy Music Awards”…pajamas down the red carpet…no?

Jason Aldean – Jason_Aldean: Thank yall so much for makin “My kinda party” album of the year…. My head is killin me from celebrating all night!

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/thebandperry.

The Band Perry – TheBandPerry: Our endless thanks…

Lady Antebellum – LadyAntebellum: THANK YOU! This night has been amazing! We are so honored and so excited! Could not be here without all of you. We love you! #CMAawards

Chris Young – ChrisYoungMusic: Just had a blast with my first CMA performance!! Crowd was great!

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/BradPaisley.

Brad Paisley – BradPaisley: One of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken.

Sara Evans – SaraEvansMusic: My little boy is about to get braces! I’m exhausted sitting at the orthodontist! Great night last night!

Martina McBride – MartinaMcBride: I tucked my 6 yr old back in bed w/me this morning and we both slept in. #thingsyoudoafteralatenight #shewaslatetoschool #motheroftheyearnot

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/Sugarlandmusic.

Sugarland – SugarlandMusic: Backstage at the #CMAawards with @gracepotter and new pal @natashabdnfield.

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Storme Warren & Blake Shelton backstage at the 2011 CMA Awards. Photo by Cheryl Ecton.

This week’s Top 20 Country Countdown is coming at you straight from The 45^th Annual CMA Awards! Host Storme Warren caught up with some of country’s biggest stars both on the red carpet and backstage at the awards and also chatted with the night’s big winners, including Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry and Taylor Swift. Tune in tonight at 8/7 CT to catch all the action, glitz and glam as well as this week’s Top 20 videos!

Photos, videos and more from the CMA Awards! >>

Top 10 Moments from the CMA Awards! >>

GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown is chosen by you, the viewers, so head over to our voting page and cast your votes daily for your favorite videos!

The countdown premieres every Friday at 8/7 CT with re-airs throughout the weekend. Check the schedule for a complete list of times

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Taylor Swift accepts award for Entertainer of the Year at the 45th annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 9, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

The 45^th Annual CMA Awards is in the books and it was another year to remember. Two artists took home their first CMA honors, a living legend was honored by three of country music’s biggest stars and another superstar made her return to the CMA stage for the first time in five years, just to name a few of the highlights. In no particular order, here are our Top 10 Moments from this year’s CMA Awards:

Taylor Swift – Taylor took home the biggest prize of the night when her name was called for Entertainer of The Year for the second time. “I am so happy right now!” Taylor exclaimed after accepting her award from Reba McEntire. Taylor thanked the artists who joined her for special appearances during her tour, reading each of their names from a list on her arm. She also thanked her fans for filling arenas and stadiums across the country night after night. “I’m so happy we had so many to play for this year,” she said. “You have made my year. Thank you so much!” Taylor also debuted new music during the show, performing “Ours” acoustically.

The Band Perry – It was a big night for The Band Perry, who won their first  CMA awards, taking home three trophies by the end of the night.  The sibling trio won Single of the Year for their hit “If I Die Young” and Kimberly Perry was honored as the track’s songwriter  with the Song of the Year award. “Thank you to the beautiful fans of country music,” Kimberly said while accepting the Single of the Year trophy. “It is the joy of our whole lives to sing this song night after night.”

The trio also won the CMA for New Artist of the Year. “We just wanted to thank everybody so much for the last few years that you’ve given my brothers and me,” Kimberly said with her brothers, Neil and Reid Perry, by her side. “We promise to keep working hard every day out on the road and here at home in Nashville to continue to earn this award. Thank you so much for the honor of tonight.”

Jason Aldean – Always a nominee but never a winner, Jason finally heard his name called. Jason took home two awards, one for Musical Event of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” his duet with Kelly Clarkson, as well as the coveted Album of the Year award for his triple platinum My Kinda Party. A visibly-moved Jason thanked his wife Jessica for “putting up with my schedule and everything that’s been going on over the past few years” while accepting his Album of the Year trophy. He also thanked his producer, Michael Knox, and gave a shout out to his daughters, saying he hoped they were in bed soon.

“I definitely think Album of the Year is a big one,” Jason said backstage. “From the guys who play on every song to the producer to the management to the label. It’s kind of a group win. To me, it’s big. Hopefully this album will be around long after I’m gone.”

See photos from this year’s CMA Awards Red Carpet! >>

Glen Campbell Tribute –Vince Gill, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley teamed up for a moving tribute to country music legend Glen Campbell. The three performed a medley of Glen’s hits “By the Time I Get To Oklahoma,” “Wichita Lineman” and “Galveston” with Jimmy Webb, the man who penned the songs, joining in on piano. Glen, who announced earlier this year he’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and embarked on his farewell tour, sang along in the audience before joining the group onstage. “It was awesome, it really was,” Glen said backstage after the performance. “The whole thing was just wonderful.”

Carrie Underwood & Brad Paisley – Brad and Carrie returned as hosts for the 4^th year in a row and left no current event in pop culture untouched. They opened the show with a hilarious parody of “Are You Ready For Some Football?,” a direct hit on Hank Williams Jr.’s controversial comments about the President earlier this year. Hank Jr. himself  joined in on the fun for another parody, this one of his song “Family Tradition.” Justin Bieber’s baby drama and Kim Kardashian’s short-lived marriage were also targets. The highlight, however, was Brad and Carrie’s hosting gifts to one another – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Barbie Dolls which, after examining them with their backs to the audience, were determined to be anatomically incorrect.

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert – One of country music’s favorite couples kept their his-and-her titles of Male and Female Vocalist, picking up the awards for the second year running. “I really didn’t prepare anything to say at all,” Blake said while accepting his Male Vocalist of the Year award. “I didn’t think y’all would let me get away with this two times.” Miranda shared similar sentiments. “I did not expect to get this at all,” she said, before saying her thank yous, including one to Blake. “It’s going to be a good night tonight, baby!” she exclaimed from the stage.

See photos from this year’s CMA Awards! >>

Faith Hill – Faith is back! Faith made her return to the CMA stage as a performer for the first time in 5 years, debuting her new single, “Come Home.” The song was aptly titled as Faith looked right at home on stage as she belted out the soulful sounding ballad and was welcomed back with a hefty round of applause and a standing ovation. The song was shipped out to country radio simultaneously with her CMA performance.

Lionel Richie – Lionel Richie was joined by Little Big Town, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts to preview some of the tracks on his upcoming country duets album, Tuskegee. LBT paired with Lionel on “Deep River Woman,” Darius joined him for “Stuck On You” and Rascal Flatts helped close down the medley with “Dancing On The Ceiling.” Lionel spoke about the making of the album backstage after his performance. “It came about because R & B and country are real, it’s just one of those things that worked out,” he said.

New Artists – All five New Artist of the Year nominees had their chance to perform on the CMA Awards stage, showcasing their talents on a national level. Eric Church was up first in a three-nominee medley and donned his signature aviators for a performance of his current single, “Drink In My Hand.” Thompson Square followed him with their No. 1 hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” while Chris Young finished off the round with his No. 1 single “Voices.” Luke Bryan gave a rousing performance of “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” with a army of dancers to back up the song’s lyrics and The Band Perry kept it simple but unique when they wrapped up the New Artist nominees performances with their current single “All Your Life” against a gypsy caravan backdrop.

Duets – Duets were a recurring theme during this year’s CMA Awards. Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter performed their CMA-nominated hit “You And Tequila” which won the CMA Award for Video of the Year, while Rascal Flatts was joined by Natasha Bedingfield for “Easy.” Brad and Carrie performed “Remind Me” in addition to their hosting duties and Sugarland debuted a new song, “Run,” with with their friend Matt Nathanson. Zac Brown Band also had a special guest with Gregg Allman joining them on a cover of “Georgia On My Mind.” Blake Shelton, who opened the show, was joined by Kenny Loggins for “Footloose.”

GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown was at the CMA Awards. Tune in on Friday at 8/7 CT as guest host Storme Warren catches up with some of country’s biggest stars on the red carpet and backstage!

Tell us — what was your favorite CMA moment?

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Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry and Neil Perry of The Band Perry accept an award at the 45th annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 9, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

Tonight’s 45th Annual CMA Awards belonged to The Band Perry, who took home three trophies — New Artist of the Year, plus Single of the Year and Song of the Year for their signature song, “If I Die Young.”

TBP’s Kimberly Perry remembers writing the song by herself at the Perry family home. “It was so organic,” she said backstage in the CMA Awards press room. “The song only took one day to finish, and I only got it halfway finished and took it to my mom, and was going to take it into town [Nashville]… and she said to finish the other half. So I went back and finished it.”

Other big winners of the night included country’s power couple, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert — who won Top Male & Top Female Vocalist — and Taylor Swift, who took home the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year.

Complete List of CMA Award Winners >>

We loved seeing all the CMA Awards red carpet and show fashion, from Laura Bell Bundy‘s dramatic hot pants/skirt combo to Faith Hill‘s classic white column dress and Lady Antebellum‘s Hillary Scott‘s gold gown,  to Sara Evans, who is usually seen showing off her gorgeous legs in a short ensemble, but tonight went for a beautiful long dress.

Check out our CMA Awards photo gallery HERE!

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Carrie Underwood & Brad Paisley will host the 2011 CMA Awards. Photo courtesy of the CMA.

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood had to work hard to keep their gig as hosts of the CMA Awards for the fourth straight year. They faced stiff competition from the likes of Donnie and Marie Osmond and Miss Piggy before landing the job once more. Take a look behind the scenes as Brad and Carrie filmed the commercials for this year’s show!

Carrie Underwood’s Guide To Award Shows >>

Brad Paisley’s Guide to Award Shows >>

The 45th Annual CMA Awards will air live on ABC on November 9 at 8/7 CT – but who will the host be? Check out photos, videos and more in our special CMA Awards section! >>

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Carrie Underwood & Brad Paisley will host the 2011 CMA Awards. Photo courtesy of the CMA.

Brad Paisley is co-hosting the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood — but it looks like he also wants in on her gig as spokeswoman for skin care products! Brad’s pores come alive as he gets in on the action in the latest commercial for tomorrow night’s CMA Awards. Take a look below, and don’t forget to check out our special CMA Awards Section for rehearsal videos and photos, full list of nominees and a downloadable ballot for you to make your own predictions!

Carrie Underwood’s Guide To Award Shows >>

Brad Paisley’s Guide to Award Shows >>

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