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Lambert Wins Best Album At Country Awards

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 19, 2008

Miranda Lambert won album of the year and Sugarland took single record and song of the year honors Sunday for their mellow hit "Stay" at the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

"I'm sitting right behind Kenny Chesney and I just don't feel right taking this," said Lambert, who won for her sophomore outing, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." "I'm a songwriter, and I poured my heart and soul into this album. Thank you for appreciating it."

The win was big for Lambert, who beat out superstars Chesney and Brad Paisley, as well as hot new acts Taylor Swift and Rodney Atkins.

Members of Sugarland acknowledged that "Stay" wasn't the kind of song that was created for commercial or awards success.

"Thanks everybody for believing in a song that's almost a five-minute acoustic song," Kristian Bush said. His partner, Jennifer Nettles said, "It means so much to me that you guys really relate to this song."

Jack Ingram won top new male vocalist. The 37-year-old Texan released his first album in 1992 and bounced around a number of record labels before his career took off.

"Sometimes it takes a long time and that's my story," Ingram said backstage. "I put in a lot of hard miles, and I'm thankful."

Lady Antebellum took home top new duo or vocal group.

Swift won top new female vocalist. The 18-year-old thanked her mother for going on the road with her beginning when she was 16, leaving behind a comfortable life to sleep in rental cars and on airplanes so her teenage daughter could pursue her dream.

"Mom, thank you so much," she said as she fought back tears. "I love you. This is for you."

The Associated Press

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