McGraw, Hill and Brooks Dominate Country Music Awards

Garth Brooks won his fifth top entertainer trophy from the Academy of Country Music, but Wednesday’s three-hour awards show clearly belonged to sweethearts Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, whose romantic “It’s Your Love” got top song, single, video and vocal event honors.

“Thank you for a wonderful ride,” Brooks told the Universal Amphitheatre crowd and national television audience.

“Oooh! Where’s the party at?” McGraw asked as he and his wife picked up the vocal event trophy at the 33rd edition of the academy’s music showcase.

Gentleman cowboy George Strait was top male vocalist for a second year, and his record “Carrying Your Love With Me” won the top album trophy, also a second consecutive trophy in that category, despite formidable competition that included Brooks’ big-selling “Sevens” album.

Trisha Yearwood (“She’s in Love With the Boy”) was top female vocalist. She later debuted her new single “There Goes My Baby.”

Brooks & Dunn, last year’s entertainers of the year, won the top duo or group trophy--their seventh consecutive duet honor. Known for rowdy honky-tonk tunes and overwrought ballads, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks strode to the stage to pick up the award and took a moment to thank fans. Backstage, they seemed surprised. “We were certainly never taking it for granted. We never expected to win,” Brooks said.

Kenny Chesney and Lee Ann Womack won the new artist awards, and the Kinleys--sisters Jennifer and Heather--were the top new group or duo winner.

“I want to thank you fans because I love you. I grew up listening to country music, and I know how you feel,” Womack said.

A somber note came early, when Brooks & Dunn dedicated the show to the people of the South who have been hit by tornadoes. The celebratory atmosphere also took a brief detour with homage to the late Tammy Wynette, Carl Perkins and John Denver.

The academy’s Special Achievement Award was presented to Brooks for his unprecedented efforts in the field of country music, including his Central Park concert last year.

Charlie Daniels got the Pioneer Award during a surprise tribute led by Brooks.

“How’s this for a surprise, big guy?” a giggling Brooks asked as he introduced Daniels. There was videotaped praise from former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford as well as a standing ovation from the audience.

“I am shocked. I was told I was here to present an award to somebody else,” a flabbergasted Daniels said.

Cowboy boots, rhinestones and Stetsons gave Hollywood an Old West flavor with the arrival of entertainers and guests on a sun-soaked Southern California evening.

Black hats were the favorites for men, though Daniels bucked the trend with a white one.

There was also a parade of low-cut gowns, led by Lisa Hartman and LeAnn Rimes.

The biggest hit at the show was “If You See Her/If You See Him,” by Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn. McEntire flew 16 hours from Australia to debut the new single record.

Award winners were selected by the 3,000 members of the academy.