The big winner at last night’s 2009 CMA Awards was the adorable Taylor Swift, who took home four of the twelve awards, including Entertainer of the Year. Co-host Carrie Underwood was shut out of the awards, while her partner for the evening, Brad Paisley, received two, including Male Vocalist of the Year.

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Lady Antebellum walked away with two awards, including Vocal Group of the Year. Darius Rucker, formerly of Hootie and the Blowfish, revived his career with a New Artist of the Year award, which recognized his transition to country music.

The night was packed with hot performances. Taylor Swift opened the show with “Forever and Always,” then returned to the stage to perform “Fifteen.” Hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley each had a turn on stage. Country superstars Reba McIntyre and Tim McGraw made appearances as well, while Kenny Chesney closed the show with a performance of “I’m Alive” featuring Dave Matthews.

Country veterans Brooks & Dunn played “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” with help from ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons in what they’ve said will be their final CMA performance. The duo announced their retirement over the summer, saying they will hang up their guitars after a 2010 tour.

There were plenty of Kanye West references during the show, including an interruption by Little Jimmy Dickens, who halted Brad Paisley’s discussion of his music video for “Welcome to the Future,” by voicing his support for Taylor Swift.

What did you think of last night’s CMA Awards? (People, LA Times, CMA Awards)

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