Kenny Chesney leads Country Music Award winners

"As much as tonight is about awards, I really believe that being able to stand up here is more about great songs, it's more about the fans," said Chesney.

"It's more about being onstage every night in front of a lot of people that really make it happen for me and the band out here...I'm really humbled tonight and I really appreciate it."

The three hour awards show featured performances by Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Kid Rock and Lil Wayne performing the Sweet Home Alabama-sampled All Summer Long, and a surprise appearance by crossover favorite Shania Twain, who has been keeping a low profile since her divorce was announced earlier this year.

"It's good to see you, too," Twain told a surprised audience before presenting Chesney with his award. "I hope to be seeing a lot more of you."

2008 CMA award winners:

Entertainer of the Year: Kenny Chesney
Female Vocalist of the Year: Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist of the Year: Brad Paisley
New Artist of the Year: Lady Antebellum
Vocal Group of the Year: Rascal Flatts
Vocal Duo of the Year: Sugarland
Single of the Year: I Saw God Today, George Strait; produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
Album of the Year: Troubadour, George Strait; produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
Song of the Year: Stay, Jennifer Nettles
Musical Event of the Year: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Gone Gone Gone
Video of the Year: Waitin' On A Woman, Brad Paisley featuring Andy Griffith; directed by Jim Shea & Peter Tilden
Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally -- guitar