CMA 2011

Taylor Swift Taylor Swift was honored with the Country Music Award's highest accolade, Entertainer of the Year, at the 2011 ceremonies on Wednesday in Nashville. She bested an impressive list of other contenders for the evening's most coveted gong: Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban. According to several sources, the 21-year-old star, looking very glam in a silver J. Mendel gown, had prepared for her acceptance speech by scribbling names and notes on the inside of her left arm.

Reba McEntire The Country Music Hall of Famer, still stunning at 56, presented Taylor's award to the delight of the crowd. McEntire complemented her famously flaming locks with a deep green velvet gown enhanced by shimmery swaths of silver at the shoulders.

Nicole Kidman The willowy 5'11" headliner was on hand to support husband Keith Urban, who was up for two awards. She wowed everyone in a body-hugging, strapless metallic number from the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2011 Couture dress collection.

Leann Rimes A number of on-the-scene reporters noted that the flowing and beruffled gown Leann Rimes chose for the occasion was a lot like the one worn by top winner Taylor Swift. Maybe so, but Rimes made the look her own with daringly exaggerated white eye make-up -- and that trademark smile.

Faith Hill For the first time in five years, Hill took the stage at CMA. She belted out her new power ballad, "Come Home" to a standing ovation. By all reports, she was moved by the response and bowed to her audience with a warm smile. This is the first single release for the singer in six years. It will be on her forthcoming album from Warner Bros. Records.

Lionel Richie The 62-year-old Motown legend has made the crossover to country with a duets album set to be released soon. Richie lived up to the buzz when he performed selections from the album during the awards show. With him were Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, and Little Big Town.

Glen Campbell A respectful tribute to the 75-year-old country music veteran included performances by Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban. Campbell, who announced in June of this year that he has Alzheimer's disease, was brought on stage by Paisley to heartfelt applause.