Las Vegas ? Carrie Underwood captured the entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, the first female act to win the honor since the Dixie Chicks did it back in 2000 and only the seventh to do so in the show’s nearly four-decade existence.

“I’ve had a lot of good moments in the past four years. This one takes the cake,” the tearful former “American Idol” champ said.

Another female dominating not only country music but the entire music industry, Taylor Swift, won album of the year for her sophomore disc “Fearless.” Both of Swift’s albums have topped the 3 million mark — a rare feat in today’s music industry.

Other winners included Jamey Johnson and Sugarland. Julianne Hough won the top new artist award. She competed against Sarah Buxton, a native of Lawrence, Kan., and Ashton Shepherd.

The evening’s most memorable moments came via the performances.

Trace Adkins performed “‘Til the Last Shot’s Fired,” a somber salute to U.S. troops, with the West Point Glee Club in honor of the servicemen and women.

John Rich’s angry anthem “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” also stirred the crowd.

Other performances included teen sensation Miley Cyrus, dancing atop a high staircase on stage; and Underwood in a burgundy dress so overwhelming that it took up most of the stage.