George Strait Entertainer Of The Year

by Matt Shine | 7 November 2013

George Strait with his award at the CMAs

George Strait has been hailed the Entertainer of the Year at last night's Country Music Awards (CMAs) 2013.

The country legend was honoured with the top award for the third time in his career, after previously taking it home in 1989 and 1990.

Accepting his trophy, he said: "What? Oh my gosh, never in a million years. This blows me away, I cannot believe it ... This means the world to me, I appreciate it."

However, this is likely the last time George - who released his 27th studio album earlier this year - will accept the accolade, as he has announced plans to retire next year.

Blake Shelton was also nominated for Entertainer of the Year, but was pleased he lost out to George.

He said: "That's how it needs to be because he's not just entertainer of the year, he's entertainer of the last three decades, I guess, or four decades. I don't know who's keeping score. I mean, it's George Strait. He's King George. I couldn't be happier with how this turned out."

However, Blake didn't go home empty handed as he won two of the other biggest awards, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for 'Based on a True Story', released earlier this year.

Ahead of the show held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, last night, Taylor Swift found out she had won three in three categories, including receiving the much coveted Pinnacle Award, a special prize which has only previously been given to Garth Brooks.

Newcomer Kasey Musgraves also triumphed, as she was named New Artist of the Year.

2013 CMA Awards, full list of winners:

Entertainer of the Year: George Strait

Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton

Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert

Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town

Vocal Duo of the Year: Florida Georgia Line

New Artist of the Year: Kacey Musgraves

Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally

Single of the Year: 'Cruise' - Florida Georgia Line

Album of the Year: Blake Shelton - Based on a True Story

Music Video of the Year: 'Highway Don't Care' Tim McGraw (with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban)