Chesney retains top award at country music show

LOS ANGELES, May 24 (Reuters) Kenny Chesney won the coveted entertainer of the year award at the Academy of Country Music Awards for the second consecutive year, while Keith Urban and Sara Evans also nabbed top honours.

Brad Paisley, the event's leading nominee with six nominations, ended up with three statuettes, including album of the year. Other multiple winners at the Las Vegas ceremony yesterday included Carrie Underwood and Brooks&Dunn member Ronnie Dunn with two prizes each.

Urban was named top male vocalist for the second consecutive year, while Evans took the corresponding female prize. Chart-topping act Rascal Flatts was named top vocal group for the fourth consecutive year.

Besides taking the album honour for ''Time Well Wasted,'' Paisley won the vocal event and video prizes for ''When I get Where I'm Going.'' ''American Idol'' champ Underwood was named top new female vocalist, and also won the single record of the year honour for ''Jesus Take the Wheel,'' which she performed during the three-hour ceremony at the MGM Grand Hotel. The new male vocalist honour went to Jason Aldean.

Dunn shared the song of the year award for the Brooks&Dunn tune ''Believe'' with Craig Wiseman. Dunn and partner Kix Brooks won the top vocal duo prize for the sixth consecutive year.

REUTERS KD BD1129