Idol Alum Picks Up Country Music Awards

This is the first thing I've ever won, Kellie Pickler, former American Idol finalist, said yesterday upon sweeping all three of her categories at the CMT Music Awards. The almost-Idol was not present at the ceremony, according to Reuters, having committed to perform a private show in Arizona.

The CMT Music Awards aired on MTV Networks' country music cable channel. Country star Keith Urban opened the show with a performance of "Raise the Barn," along with special guests Brooks & Dunn, who have won more Country Music Association awards and Academy of Country Music awards than any other country group in history.

Taylor Swift was another big winner yesterday, named top female and awarded video of the year for "Our Song." When Swift accepted her award she thanked MySpace and the fans who have made Web sites for her.

Among the non-country artists that were present were Bobby Brown, Snoop Dogg, and Paula Abdul. Abdul commented on the number of American Idol alumni present at the awards, according to Reuters.

"I feel like this is a reunion and I'm their mom," Abdul said.