Toby Keith, Dixie Chicks Win Big at the Country Music Awards

Toby Keith, long the bridesmaid at major industry awards shows, took the trophies for album of the year and top male vocalist at the 36th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Wednesday at the Universal Amphitheatre.

The Oklahoma singer borrowed a line from one of his hits--”You shouldn’t kiss me like this unless you mean it like that”--to tease voters for acknowledging his work after a decade on the country scene. Also fitting was the title of the album named best of the year: “How Do You Like Me Now?!”

The Dixie Chicks took home the top prize, the entertainer of the year award, along with hat-shaped trophies for best video (“Goodbye Earl”) and top vocal group. In other categories, Keith Urban and Jamie O’Neal won top new male and female artists, respectively, Brooks & Dunn won best vocal duo, and song of the year went to “I Hope You Dance,” performed by Lee Ann Womack and the Sons of the Desert and written by Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sellers.

Mega-selling crossover star Faith Hill joined an elite short list by winning her third consecutive award for top female vocalist. Only Loretta Lynn, who won three in a row, and Reba McEntire, with four straight, have similarly dominated that category.

Kenny Rogers, a commercial titan in the 1970s and ‘80s who is now enjoying a comeback, was honored with a career achievement award, while Barbara Mandrell was presented with the Los Angeles-based academy’s Pioneer Award.