Also at the April 7 event, Reba McEntire pays tribute to the late Dick Clark after Jason Aldean shows up on stage once again to accept Male Vocalist of the Year trophy.
- Apr 8, 2013
AceShowbiz - The winner of Entertainer of the Year has been announced at the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards. Luke Bryan, who co-hosted the April 7 show with Blake Shelton, won the fan-voted award, defeating such popular artists as Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Shelton and Jason Aldean.
Crying tears of happines, he said, "I don't know what to say, guys." He added, "Thank you so much for making my life what it is...This is the defining moment of my life and it means the world to me."
Aldean, however, triumphed over Bryan in Male Vocalist of the Year category, which was presented by Willie and Korie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" earlier that night. "I love what I do and I appreciate you guys letting me do it," the "Take a Little Ride" singer said.
Aldean bagged another trophy from the event as his song "The Only Way I Know", which features Bryan and Eric Church, was named Vocal Event of the Year. The prize was handed out on the red carpet before the live telecast.
Another winner with multiple prizes was Miranda Lambert, who was chosen as Female Vocalist of the Year. She didn't expect it since she thought Carrie Underwood would've won it and said "she damn well deserved it."
Lambert bagged two other prizes for Song of the Year and Single of the Year through "Over You", which she co-wrote with her husband Shelton. The Pistol Annies member admitted, "As a songwriter, having your song and your lyrics recognized by your peers is pretty much as good as it gets. And I'm so thankful for being in this genre of country music, every single time someone's nominated, I just cheer, because I love everybody to death."
Little Big Town and Florida Georgia Line scored two each. The former won Vocal Group of the Year and Video of the Year for "Tornado" clip, while the relatively newcomer was dubbed New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year and New Artist of the Year.
Brantley Gilbert and Jana Kramer, who were also vying for the best new artist title, were chosen as New Male and Female Vocalist of the Year respectively.
Another coveted title, Album of the Year, went to Eric Church for his third studio installment "Chief". "I can't believe I just met John Fogerty. We should hang out later," he jokingly started his speech, referring to the rocker who presented the prize along with Lambert.
The 48th annual ACM Awards also paid tribute to Dick Clark. Reba McEntire got emotional when introducing the segment, saying, "He would slap me if he saw me crying up here." Garth Brooks and George Strait, Artist of the Decade honorees in the past, sang "The Cowboy Rides Away" to honor the late TV host.
Stevie Wonder wrapped up the show with "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", joined by Hunter Hayes on drums. Jewel Kilcher, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and John Mayer were among other musical performers on the evening.
