LAS VEGAS —  Carrie Underwood made history at the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday night, becoming the first woman to win entertainer of the year twice.

Underwood won the show’s top honor last year. This year, she beat out Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, the Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, George Strait and Keith Urban.

“I think I just got makeup all over Brad Paisley,” an excited Underwood said as she went onstage to accept her trophy. “Thank you, God, praise the Lord.”

Underwood also was recognized earlier in the evening with special trophy for “triple crown” of ACM wins – entertainer of the year, top female vocalist and top newcomer – in the course of her career.

But top-selling trio Lady Antebellum was the dominant winner, grabbing five trophies.

Lady A, which includes Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, was the lead nominee, entering the show with seven.

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It snapped Rascal Flatts’ seven-year run as best vocal group and won song and single record of the year for the crossover hit “Need You Now.” (Lady A got two trophies for its single record of the year win because it also produced the record, and got two trophies for its song of the year win because the group composed it.)

“It’s just wild, man,” Kelley said. “You never know where a song can take you, and tonight is probably the pinnacle of our career.”

Adding to the emotion of the night for the group was wins by good friends Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan. The trio broke into cheers backstage when Lambert won top female vocalist. A stunned Lambert made her way to the stage, then read off the names of the other nominees – Underwood, Swift, Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she said.

She also won album of the year for “Revolution” and video of the year for “White Liar.”�

‘Glee’ has reason to be GLAAD

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LOS ANGELES – “Glee” has another reason to be happy.

The Fox musical comedy was among the winners at the 21st annual GLAAD Media Awards. The show’s cast and creator Ryan Murphy received the trophy for outstanding comedy series at Saturday’s glitzy ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

Murphy, in particular, praised lesbian actress Jane Lynch and gay actor Chris Colfer for their contributions.

“We have a great responsibility with the show,” Murphy beamed.

Murphy told the crowd that Colfer’s character, outspoken gay soprano Kurt Hummel, would have a boyfriend next season, and the pair would become prom kings.

“Iron Chef” Cat Cora presented actress-director Drew Barrymore with the Vanguard Award, which honors efforts to increase visibility and understanding of the gay community.

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Photo finish at the box office

LOS ANGELES – It’s another photo finish at the weekend box office, with the No. 1 spot too close to call between the animated adventure “How to Train Your Dragon” and the superhero comedy “Kick-Ass.”

Distributor Paramount reported Sunday that DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon” took in $20 million, while “Kick-Ass” distributor Lionsgate reported its movie debuting at $19.75 million.

With just $250,000 separating them, either movie could end up at No. 1 when studios release final weekend numbers today.

The previous weekend, 20th Century Fox’s comedy “Date Night” led the Warner Bros. action tale “Clash of the Titans” by about the same amount based on Sunday estimates.

But “Clash of the Titans” came out on top by $1.4 million when final numbers were reported April 12, with “Date Night” pulling in nearly $2 million less than 20th Century Fox had estimated a day earlier.

 

 


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