Chesney wins country music award

Chesney was briefly married to actress Renee Zellweger

Singer Kenny Chesney has been named entertainer of the year at the Country Music Association Awards (CMA) for the third time in his career.

On accepting the award the 39-year-old said: "I love country music and I love doing what I do."

Carrie Underwood, who won the reality TV show American Idol, took home the awards for female vocalist and single of the year for Before He Cheats.

The 41st CMA ceremony took place at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

'Absolutely insane'

Underwood, who also won best female last year, said: "God has blessed me with so many wonderful things.

"If you told me a few years ago I had been nominated with the people I'm nominated with, I would have called you absolutely insane," she added.

Chesney, who was briefly married to actress Renee Zellweger in 2005, said: "I can't believe that I get to stand on the stages that I stand on every summer and get to sing the songs that I sing."

Brad Paisley finally took home the best male vocalist award after previously being nominated seven times.

He said: "I can't tell you what this means to me to win this. I always wanted to win this award at least once - this will do."

Paisley also picked up the award for best music video for his hit Online.