Country star Taylor Swift had a huge night at the Country Music Television Awards. In addition to closing the show by joining Def Leppard for a rendition of their hit song "pour Some Sugar on Me", Swift took home the coveted, fan-voted award for Video of the Year for her song "Love Story". The video is an elaborate production that features period costumes as it echoes the story of Romeo and Juliet.
Here is an excerpt from her acceptance speech: "I want to thank Shania Twain for always making such theatrical videos, and Garth Brooks for always putting the fans first. I take my cues from you," Swift said in accepting video of the year honors. "I thank the fans for giving me video of the year when my whole family is here watching."
Swift also won the award for Best Female Video. The show kicked off with a skit featuring Swift and host Bill Engvall that had Swift rapping with T-Pain, appearing in a "Star Trek" movie and playing for the NFL's Tennessee Titans.
Kid Rock won wide open country video for "All Summer Long," which samples Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" and Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London." The video, set on a lake in northern Michigan, features bikini-clad dancers on a pontoon boat.
"I think this was based on creativity, this award, because what's more creative than a strip pole on a pontoon boat?" said Kid Rock, who hugged Sheryl Crow as he walked up to accept the award. A few years ago, Kid Rock and Crow teamed for the hit "Picture."