Brooks & Dunn Get Top Country Music Award

Brooks & Dunn were named entertainers of the year at the 32nd Academy of Country Music Awards on Wednesday, while teenage sensation LeAnn Rimes was crowned country’s best new singer.

“There’s a God and country music is very much alive and well in America,” Ronnie Dunn said after entertainer Jay Leno handed over the evening’s top award to him and partner Kix Brooks. The pair also won the prize for top duet.

But the night clearly belonged to the 14-year-old Rimes, who won trophies for new female singer, top single and best song for her yodeling rendition of “Blue.”

“It’s overwhelming and exciting at the same time,” said the native Texan. Rimes won Grammy Awards earlier this year for new artist and female country vocalist.

George Strait won trophies for top male singer and best album for “Blue Clear Sky,” while Patty Loveless won her second consecutive award for top female singer.

The dance band Sawyer Brown received the best group trophy and Ricochet, known for hits including “The Truth Is I Lied,” was the new group winner.

Trace Atkins, perhaps best-known for his hit single “Every Light in the House Is On,” won the new male vocalist award and Collin Ray got the top video trophy for “I Think About You.”

Roy Clark received the academy’s Pioneer Award.

The show was broadcast on NBC from the Universal Amphitheatre.