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There was one big change at the Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday, as Sugarland trumped Brooks & Dunn to win the duo of the year award. Brooks & Dunn had won it the last six years, and 14 out of the last 15 in that category.

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles graciously commented on winning the award: "If we're standing up here, we have this lofty view because we're standing on the shoulders of giants who've come before us."

Other winners for the night were Taylor Swift, who won the Horizon award for the newcomer of the year. Rascal Flats won for the top vocal group, while George Strait won his much-desired top album of the year for "It Just Comes Natural." Strait also won song of the year with "Give it Away." Paisley, at the time of this writing, had won for the best music video with "Online."

Single of the year went to Carrie Underwood for "Before He Cheats," while musical event went to Tracy Lawrence for "Find Out Who Your Friends Are."

Winning musician of the year was Jerry Douglas from Union Station.

Strait was the top artist for nominations with five, tying him with Brad Paisley who also received five nominations.

"Before He Cheats"-Carrie Underwood

Paying tribute to Porter Wagoner who passed away last week, was Dwight Yoakam, while the Eagles, whose album "Long Road Out of Eden" exploded in sales, performed "How Long."

Other performers were Alison Krauss & Union Station, Rascal Flatts, Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Martina McBride, among others.

Hosting the awards for ABC (DIS) were Kate Walsh (Private Practice), Kimberly Paisley (According to Jim) and James Denton (Desperate Housewives).