NE Ga. group takes home a country music award

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Northeast Georgia's Zac Brown Band was among the winners Sunday night at the 44th Academy of Country Music Awards.

The group was named top new vocal group of the year at ceremonies in Las Vegas.

The group, which had a number one hit last year - Chicken Fried - includes namesake, Zac Brown, a native of Dahlonega, and John Hopkins, a Gainesville native.

Also Sunday night, Carrie Underwood captured entertainer of the year, winning the top honor that has eluded women for nearly a decade, while Taylor Swift won album of the year and Julianne Hough snagged top new artist.

Country music's boys' club was adjourned for the year when Underwood broke Kenny Chesney's four-year win streak and became the first woman to hold the title since the Dixie Chicks in 2000. The significance wasn't lost on the 26-year-old superstar.

``I accepted that award on behalf of myself and my fans, but also on behalf of other women who came before me that kicked butt but never got the recognition they deserved,'' Underwood said. ``I can't wait (for) the day, which I hope is in the very near future, where having females in the category is no big deal whatsoever.''

In 39 years of recognizing a top entertainer, the academy has granted the honor to a woman seven times, including Underwood. The others were Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks. Each won once.

Chesney, who missed the chance to tie Alabama for most entertainer of the year awards, kissed Underwood as she walked up to accept the honor.

``He told me he was proud of me,'' said Underwood, who's enjoyed astounding success since winning ``American Idol'' in 2005 with eight No. 1 country hits including the signature single, ``Jesus Take the Wheel.''

Swift, another woman dominating not only country music but the entire industry, won album of the year for her sophomore disc ``Fearless.'' Both of Swift's albums have topped the 3 million mark a rare feat today. She's connected with fans both young and old for her intensely personal songs, which she writes usually on her own or with a co-writer.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)