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Singer Chris Stapleton won three prizes, including male vocalist of the year, at the annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in Nashville on Wednesday.

However, the biggest award of the night, entertainer of the year, went to fellow superstar Morgan Wallen.

Country music has been enjoying a resurgence lately, with artists such as Beyoncé embracing the genre.

There was controversy when she did not receive a single nomination from the CMA, despite having one of the biggest country hits of the year with Texas Hold 'Em.

Fans had speculated she could become the first black woman to be shortlisted for album of the year, for Cowboy Carter.

The sequins and cowboy hats were out in force as thousands of people descended on Nashville for the annual awards.

For country music fans, this was the biggest night of the year, and the CMA Awards regularly draw the biggest stars to "Music City".

Wallen, who had the most nods going into the event but didn't attend on the night, scooped the top prize three years after being suspended by his record label for using a racial slur.

The star later apologised and reunited with his record label.

Last year, his double album One Thing At A Time topped the US chart for 16 weeks.

A rumoured appearance by country legend Dolly Parton failed to materialise, but fans at the Bridgestone Arena saw a range of other performances.

They included a rendition of California Sober by Post Malone, who was joined by Stapleton on stage to open the show.

Stapleton also won song of the year and single of the year for White Horse.

CMA newcomer Shaboozey, who is featured on Cowboy Carter, also took to the stage to perform in front of an audience of fans in cowboy hats.

Meanwhile, Lainey Wilson, who co-hosted the star-studded show, scooped the awards for female vocalist of the year and music video of the year.

Other highlights included Megan Moroney being honoured with best new artist, while Cody Johnson won album of the year for Leather, and Brooks & Dunn won best vocal duo.

There was also a special tribute for George Strait, often described as the king of country music. He was presented with the lifetime achievement award and paid tribute to his manager Erv Woolsey, who died earlier this year.

It wasn’t just country musicians in Nashville - Olympic gymnast Simone Biles also made an appearance, presenting the award for female vocalist of the year.