Brooks & Dunn Win Again

Kenny Chesney won entertainer of the year and Brooks & Dunn‘s inspirational song “Believe” won three trophies, including single and song of the year, at the 40th Annual Country Music Association Awards Monday night.

“This year has in ways been the most emotionally satisfying year and also the most emotionally draining year of my life,” said Chesney, who went through a high-profile marriage and split with actress Renee Zellweger last year. Chesney also won the honor two years ago.

One of the night’s more poignant moments came from a winner who wasn’t even there _ Keith Urban. The Aussie country star, who last month entered a rehabilitation center for alcohol abuse, won male vocalist of the year for the second year in a row.

When Urban’s name was announced, he received a standing ovation, and his award was accepted by Ronnie Dunn. Dunn read a letter from Urban in which he thanked his friends and family and actress-wife Nicole Kidman, whom he married earlier this year: “To my wife, Nicole, I love you.”

— Associated Press