Taylor Swift wins top country music gong

Taylor Swift has taken out the big prize at the Country Music Association awards show, claiming the trophy for entertainer of the year for the second time.

The 21-year-old country pop crossover artist, whose Speak Now album is one of the year's best-sellers, beat Australia's Keith Urban as well as veterans Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and favourite Jason Aldean.

It was Swift's only win of the night, but was her second win in the category after first claiming the top prize in 2009.

"I am so happy right now. This is thanks to all those fans who filled up the stadiums this year ... You have made my year," a delighted Swift said.

"To win Entertainer of the Year twice was like the coolest thing ever happening to me."

Aldean and newcomers The Band Perry were the other big winners at the awards.

Aldean, 34, took home his first ever CMA trophies after a breakthrough year and a sell-out tour.

He won album of the year for My Kinda Party and musical event of the year for his Don't You Wanna Stay duet with Kelly Clarkson.

The Band Perry won two awards, for best new artist and single of the year for If I Die Young, while Kimberly Perry received song of the year for that tune. The Tennessee band, made up of brothers Reid and Neil Perry and sister Kimberly, released their debut album in 2010.

But country music's biggest night also belonged to Glen Campbell, who is nearing the end of his 50-year career after announcing he has Alzheimer's disease.

The 75-year-old was given a standing ovation as he took the stage after a tribute by Vince Gill, Paisley and Urban, who performed a medley of Campbell's three biggest hits - Wichita Linesman, Galveston, and By the Time I Get To Phoenix.

"It was wonderful to have such a tribute from those guys," Campbell told reporters afterwards.

Reuters