Brooks & Dunn Add 2 Country Music Awards

Brooks & Dunn, the most honored artists in the history of the Academy of Country Music’s awards show, picked up a record 20th and 21st trophies Tuesday night as country music’s elite gathered to perform and compete for honors.

Newcomer Carrie Underwood, last year’s “American Idol” winner, also was a double winner, taking top new female vocalist and single of the year awards. The latter was for “Jesus Take the Wheel,” a song she performed on the show.

“I wouldn’t be here if God hadn’t opened all the doors for me,” she told the audience.

Kenny Chesney captured the entertainer of the year award.

Brooks & Dunn claimed the first award handed out Tuesday, song of the year for “Believe,” a gospel-tinged tune written by Craig Wiseman, co-writer of the 2005 song of the year, “Live Like You Were Dying.”

“It’s always fun to be a part of something so strong and so spiritual,” said Kix Brooks, who also shared the top vocal duo award with Dunn.

Brad Paisley, who had a leading six nominations going into the show, got the award he said he wanted, album of the year for “Time Well Wasted.” He also shared vocal event of the year honors with Dolly Parton for “When I Get Where I’m Going.”

Keith Urban was top male vocalist for a second year and Sara Evans, up against Underwood, Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson and Lee Ann Womack, captured her first ACM award, for top female vocalist.

“I’ve waited for this my whole life,” she said.

Jason Aldean, whose song “Why” is No. 1 this week, was named top new male vocalist, and Sugarland was honored as top new duo or vocal group.

The three-hour show was as much about music as awards, however, and Trace Adkins provided one of the evening’s musical highlights. Dressed all in black -- from his cowboy hat to his leather suit -- Adkins added a Las Vegas touch to the program as he performed his song “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” while surrounded by shimmying showgirls.

This year’s 41st annual ceremony, at the MGM Grand, was the third to be held in Las Vegas. The 3,000 members of the academy select the nominees and winners of the awards.