Idol Chatter & Voice Views

So, was that lava red dress the secret to success?

Doubtful. It probably had to do more with an album named “Carnival Ride” that has produced four straight number one country singles, with a fifth currently climbing the charts.

Which followed a debut album that sold more than 7 million copies.

Carrie Underwood went two for four on awards at the Academy of Country Music awards Sunday night in Las Vegas.

Somehow, I don’t think she’s complaining.

First, she was named Female Vocalist of the Year — for the third straight year — and said it felt like winning American Idol all over again.

Then, at show’s close, she was named Entertainer of the Year based on fan voting.

She became the first female to win the award since 2000 and only the seventh ever. The show has been around 44 years, folks.

“I’ve had a lot of great moments in the last four years,” Carrie told the audience. “This takes the cake.”

Before the show, she was interviewed on the Orange Carpet and said she looks forward to the day when having females vie for Entertainer of the Year isn’t such an anomaly.

“Watch out guys,” she said at the end of the interview. “Here we come.”

No doubt.

After the show, she expressed similar sentiments when interviewed by The Associated Press.

“I accepted that award on behalf of myself and my fans, but also on behalf of other women who came before me that kicked butt but never got the recognition they deserved,” Underwood said. “I can’t wait (for) the day, which I hope is in the very near future, where having females in the category is no big deal whatsoever.”

Here’s a list of last night’s winners. And check out the bottom of this blog for lots more photos of Carrie on her victorious night.

— Entertainer of the year: Carrie Underwood
— Top male vocalist: Brad Paisley
— Top female vocalist: Carrie Underwood
— Top vocal group: Rascal Flatts
— Top vocal duo: Sugarland
— Top new artist: Julianne Hough
— Top new male vocalist: Jake Owen
— Top new female vocalist: Julianne Hough
— Top new duo or vocal group: Zac Brown Band
— Album of the year: “Fearless,” Taylor Swift
— Single record of the year: “You’re Gonna Miss This,” Trace Adkins
— Song of the year: “In Color,” Jamey Johnson
— Video of the year: “Waitin’ On a Woman,” Brad Paisley
— Vocal event of the year: “Start a Band,” Brad Paisley and Keith Urban

Photos from last night’s show follow, courtesy of The Associated Press.

Members of Sugarland, Ronnie Dunn and Taylor Swift during the opening act at the ACM Awards.

Kenny Chesney performs during the ACM awards show.

Jamey Johnson sings “In Color” at the ACM awards show.

George Strait performs during Sunday’s show in Las Vegas.

David Copperfield made Taylor Swift appear at the ACM awards show Sunday night.

Taylor Swift sings “You’re Not Sorry” at the ACM awards.

Julianne Hough reacts to winning the award for best new artist.

Taylor Swift receives a crystal milestone award from Reba McEntire.

Taylor Swift poses with her two ACM awards.

Blake Shelton performs at the ACM awards show.

Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles pose with their awards after the show.

John Rich performs “Shutting Detroit Down” at the ACM awards show.

Miranda Lambert debuted a new song, “Dead Flowers,” during Sunday’s show.

Keith Urban performs during Sunday’s show in Las Vegas.

Trace Adkins won an ACM award for his song, “You’re Gonna Miss This.”

Carrie Underwood and a whole lot of dress.

Carrie Underwood belts out “I Told You So” in her big red dress.

Carrie Underwood poses with her trophies.

Carrie Underwood celebrates winning two ACM awards, including Entertainer of the Year.

A victorious Carrie Underwood strikes a pose.

Carrie Underwood in a closeup before Sunday’s show.

Carrie Underwood poses for photos prior to Sunday’s show.

Carrie Underwood was a center of attention even before the show.

Carrie Underwood waves to admirers before the show.