Carrie Underwood's dark hit "Before He Cheats" won video of the year, female video and best video director Monday at the fan-voted CMT Music Awards, while teen newcomer Taylor Swift captured breakthrough video of the year honors.
In Swift's hit song "Tim McGraw," the 17-year-old sings about two people who fall in love to a McGraw song, break up and are reminded of each other whenever they hear the tune.
"I cannot believe this is happening right now," Swift said before she began thanking the fans, her family and a string of others.
Sugarland won duo video of the year for "Want To."
"Thank you to the fans," singer Jennifer Nettles said. "We love that you vote for that, it makes it that much more special."
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy hosted the show, and Rascal Flatts performed their remake of Tom Cochrane's 1992 pop hit "Life Is a Highway."
Foxworthy recapped the year in country music, including Dolly Parton's Kennedy Center Honor.
"That's appropriate because if there's ever been a president who would enjoy Dolly Parton it's President Kennedy," he quipped.
But he quickly became serious when he addressed the fatal shootings at Virginia Tech.
"There are a lot of hurting people associated with Virginia Tech and we want those people to know in the days and weeks going forward that you are going to be in the hearts and minds of everyone in the country music community," Foxworthy said. "God bless you."
The Dixie Chicks were nominated for video of the year - their first such nomination since country radio unofficially banned them.
The trio was also nominated for group video of the year for their single "Not Ready to Make Nice."
The Chicks have been at odds with country radio since lead singer Natalie Maines told a London audience in 2003 that they were ashamed President Bush was from their home state of Texas.
But even without radio airplay, they managed to win three Grammys and sell 2 million copies of their latest album, "Taking the Long Way."
"I understand the songs on that album are great, but I listen to country radio so I haven't heard them yet," Foxworthy cracked.
