Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, George Strait and Carrie Underwood were the big winners at last nights Country Music Association Awards. Chesney cried a little while accepting his entertainer of the year award for the fourth time in his career. He said that he was “humbled” by the honor and that for him the awards were “more about great songs” than winning.

Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackson, the stars of the upcoming film Australia, presented the first award of the night to George Strait for single of the year for the song “I Saw God Today.” Strait has won more awards in the history of the CMAs than anyone else, and also took home best album this year for Troubadour.

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood co-hosted the event together, and they both received multiple awards. Reese Witherspoon presented Male Artist of the year to Brad Paisley.

Four-time nominee Brad Paisley didn’t just host and perform at the ceremony – he was one of the night’s major winners. The singer took two awards, including male vocalist and music video of the year for “Waitin’ on a Woman.”

Paisley, 36, also opened the show on a high note, trading guitar licks and verses with Keith Urban on the uptempo “Start a Band,” the night’s first major performance.

The singer’s co-host, Carrie Underwood, also had a big night – and not just because of her six wardrobe changes during the telecast. The former American Idol champ was named female vocalist of the year for the third year in a row. (Remarkably, Underwood, Chesney and Paisley won the same top honors at 2007’s CMA Awards.) Accepting the award after belting out the emotionally rending “Just a Dream,” Underwood, 25, joked, “Mama, it’s real hard to sing when you’re in the second row crying.”

Another big winner: Lady Antebellum, who walked away with the artist of the year trophy. Taylor Swift, who won in 2007, presented the group with their award. “Last year it was the highlight of my senior year when Carrie Underwood presented me with the Horizon Award,” she said.

Last night marked the return of newly-separated reclusive singer Shania Twain to the public spotlight following the announcement of her divorce. Twain presented Chesney with his performer of the year award and he told her “You look really good.”

Sugarland also won two awards last night. They were honored with “duo of the year,” and their hit “Stay” won song of the year.

Here are some performances from the 42nd annual CMAs. I couldn’t find a video version of Kid Rock playing “All Summer Long” with Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne is said to have just played air guitar on stage and he didn’t sing or rap.

Keith Urban and Brad Paisley: Join a Band

Carrie Underwood: Just a Dream

Kellie Pickler: Best Days of Your Life

Taylor Swift: Love Story

Kenny Chesney and the Wailers: Everybody Wants to Go To Heaven (this is taped off television and the quality is lacking.)

Keith Urban: Sweet Thing