carrie underwood wins an historic entertainer of the year award at this year’s academy of country music awards show last night in las vegas. it’s the first win for a woman in that category since the dixie chicks & shania twain 10 years ago. the 2005 american idol winner also captured a third consecutive top female vocalist award.

taylor swift, who has the year’s top selling cd, “fearless,” won album of the year. my man brad paisely is the top male vocalist for a 3rd consecutive year, although he appeared via satellite from home, awaiting the birth of a child. single of the year went to breakthrough artist jamey johnson for “in color.” i hadn’t heard of jamey johnson but i checked out his cd that lonesome song on iTunes. not bad.

rascal flatts took home top vocal group and performed a great arrangment of their current hit song “here comes goodbye.” the lead singer has a blue eyed soul kind of vibe in his voice. definitely recommended; rascal flatts have a decade-long catalog to make your way through, in addition to a new cd, unstoppable, out on tuesday, 4.7.

big story of the night at the acm’s though is definitely carrie underwood & taylor swift’s wins for entertainer & album of the year. their cd’s and rascal flatt’s new one are worth checking out if you haven’t already.