Chris Brown

Pop and r&b chanteuse Rihanna also scored big wins in the Pop-Rock and Soul-R&B fields, winning Favorite Female Artist in both contests. Urban visionary Kanye West also enjoyed strong recognition, as he took home trophies for Rap-Hip-Hop Favorite Male Artist and Album.

Rihanna

Kanye West

Wins under country genre's umbrella also belonged predominantly to BMI artists, as cross-genre darling Taylor Swift took home the Favorite Female Artist crown, hit-making powerhouse Rascal Flatts earned Favorite Band, Duo, or Group, and reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Carrie Underwood's Carnival Ride scored Favorite Album.

Daughtry walked away with the Favorite Band, Duo or Group win in the Pop-Rock category, while Three 6 Mafia snagged the same honor in the Rap-Hip-Hop field. Additional BMI winners included Jordin Sparks for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist, and Linkin Park for Favorite Alternative Rock Band.

The Jonas Brothers received the T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Award, reflecting the strength of their meteoric rise over the past several months. Legend Annie Lenox (PRS) took home the Award of Merit, while Mariah Carey garnered a special Honorary Award.

2008 BMI American Music Award Winners

Artist of the Year

Chris Brown

Pop-Rock

Male artist: Chris Brown

Female artist: Rihanna

Band, duo or group: Daughtry

Soul-R&B

Male artist: Chris Brown

Female artist: Rihanna

Rap-Hip-Hop

Male artist: Kanye West

Band, duo or group: Three 6 Mafia

Album: Graduation, Kanye West

Country

Female artist: Taylor Swift

Band, duo or group: Rascal Flatts

Album: Carnival Ride, Carrie Underwood

Adult Contemporary

Jordin Sparks

Alternative Rock

Linkin Park

T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Award

Jonas Brothers

Honorary Award

Mariah Carey

Award of Merit

Annie Lennox (PRS)

For more information about the 2008 American Music Awards, click here.

Carrie Underwood claimed her third consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year crown. Underwood has taken home the trophy every time she has received a nomination. Trio Lady Antebellum capped off the success of their breakout year with a New Artist of the Year win, while genre giants Rascal Flatts secured Vocal Group of the Year honors. Charismatic duo Sugarland claimed the Vocal Duo of the Year title, while Musical Event of the Year recognized the cross-format domination by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant’s “Gone Gone Gone.” Veteran producer Tony Brown also celebrated a big night, as he earned two awards for helming the boards for Single of the Year “I Saw God Today” and Album of the Year, Troubadour.

2008 BMI CMA Award Winners

Female Vocalist of the Year
Carrie Underwood

New Artist of the Year
Lady Antebellum

Vocal Group of the Year
Rascal Flatts

Vocal Duo of the Year
Sugarland

Single of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
"I Saw God Today"
Co-Produced by Tony Brown
MCA Nashville

Album of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
Troubadour
Co-Produced by Tony Brown
MCA Nashville

Musical Event of the Year
(Award to each Artist)
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
“Gone Gone Gone”
Rounder Records

See All 2008 Award-Winning Songs

Casey Beathard earned his second BMI Country Songwriter of the Year crown, while Taylor Swift’s smash “Teardrops on My Guitar” garnered Robert J. Burton Song of the Year honors. Publishing powerhouse Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville claimed its seventh consecutive Country Publisher of the Year title, and an all-star tribute recognized Hank Williams, Jr. as a BMI Icon.

First named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year in 2004, Casey Beathard co-wrote five of the songs in the most-performed list to claim his 2008 Songwriter of the Year title: Rodney Atkins’ “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy),” Kenny Chesney’s “Don’t Blink,” George Strait’s “How ’Bout Them Cowgirls,” Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus’s “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” and Tracy Lawrence’s “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” featuring Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw

Song of the Year “Teardrops on My Guitar” was co-written and recorded by Taylor Swift and published by Sony/ATV Tree. The song earned iTunes’ no. 1 country song of 2007 bragging rights as it achieved RIAA Digital Platinum certification in early 2008. The second single off her triple-platinum selling eponymous debut, “Teardrops on My Guitar” ushered in the year of Taylor Swift, during which the 18 year-old proceeded to shatter records, becoming the only female artist in Billboard country chart history to release five consecutive top ten singles from a debut album.

With 15 songs among this year’s top 50, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville (through its companies Sony/ATV Acuff Rose, Sony/ATV Melody and Sony/ATV Tree) picked up its seventh consecutive BMI Country Publisher of the Year win. The publishing giant accumulated the highest percentage of copyright ownership thanks to award songs including “Never Wanted Nothing More,” “Famous In a Small Town,” “Watching Airplanes,” “Long Trip Alone” and “Love You.”

The capstone of the evening took the form of the tribute to newly crowned BMI Icon Hank Williams, Jr., featuring performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gregg Allman, Robert Randolph and Kenny Chesney. Hank Williams, Jr.’s career has profiled the aspirations, trials and carousals of the everyman in an unabashedly proud and instantly recognizable voice. Nicknamed “Bocephus” by his legendary father Hank Williams, the younger Williams’s waggish songs and roguish persona have unified through their celebration of rebellion. A sly songwriter and robust vocalist capable of conveying startling emotion and making deceptively ordinary characters shine, he boasts a catalog that includes honky-tonk classics “All My Rowdy Friends,” “A Country Boy Can Survive,” “Born to Boogie,” “Dixie On My Mind,” “Family Tradition,” “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound” and “Texas Women.” Each composition represents a candid piece of Williams himself: He wrote every song on that list alone. In addition to 10 no. 1 singles, he found mainstream success on the pop charts and through penning and performing the multiple Emmy award-winning theme to Monday Night Football; six of Williams’s albums reached platinum status, while 20 were certified gold and 13 reached the number 1 spot on the charts.

The 2008 BMI Country Awards also honored hit songwriters Brett Beavers, Shane Minor, Rodney Clawson, Marv Green, Ed Hill and David Lee, along with recording artists/songwriters Luke Bryan, Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, who each contributed two songs to the top 50 list.

Publishers Universal Music Publishing Group, EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc., Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Songs of Windswept Pacific and State One Music America each took home three or more awards.

BMI trendsetters Lil Wayne and Chris Brown each garnered three nods. Wayne’s chart-topping year resulted in Rap/Hip-Hop Music Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Album nominations, along with a slot in the multi-genre Artist of the Year list. Brown’s star has enjoyed a meteoric rise, reflected in his Pop/Rock Music Favorite Male Artist, Soul/Rhythm & Blues Music Favorite Male Artist, and overall Artist of the Year nods.

Pop/r&b siren Mariah Carey scored two nods including Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favorite Soul/Rhythm & Blues album for E=MC2. Rihanna ties Carey’s two nominations, and will vie for the Favorite Female Pop/Rock Artist award along with the Soul/Rhythm & Blues Favorite Female Artist crown. Kanye West also garnered two nods in the Rap/Hip-Hop category: one for Favorite Male Artist and one in the genre’s Favorite Album field. Daughtry received two nominations as well in the Pop/Rock Favorite Band, Duo or Group and Adult Contemporary Favorite Artist categories. Country titans Rascal Flatts also generated two nods in the Country sphere of the awards, garnering Favorite Band, Duo or Group and Favorite Album taps. Reigning country queen Carrie Underwood also earned two Country Music nominations: her album Carnival Ride will contend for Album of the Year while Underwood is on the short list for Favorite Female Artist.

Slated for Sunday, November 3 and broadcast live on ABC at 8 p.m. EST, the ceremony will be hosted by late night guru Jimmy Kimmel. For more information about the 2008 American Music Awards, click here.

2008 BMI American Music Award Nominees
 
POP/ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist
Chris Brown
Kid Rock
 
Favorite Female Artist
Mariah Carey
Rihanna
 
Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Eagles
Daughtry
 
Favorite Album
Long Road Out of Eden by the Eagles
 
COUNTRY MUSIC
Favorite Female Artist
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
 
Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Brooks & Dunn
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
 
Favorite Album
Still Feels Good by Rascal Flatts
Carnival Ride by Carrie Underwood
 
RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist
Lil Wayne
Kanye West
 
Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Three 6 Mafia
Wu-Tang Clan
 
Favorite Album
Tha Carter III by Lil Wayne
Graduation by Kanye West
 
SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist
Chris Brown
 
Favorite Female Artist
Rihanna
 
Favorite Album
E=MC2 by Mariah Carey
 
ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Artist
Foo Fighters
Linkin Park
 
ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
Favorite Artist
Daughtry
The Eagles
Jordin Sparks
 
LATIN MUSIC
Favorite Artist
Juanes
Wisin & Yandel
 
CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL
Favorite Artist
Casting Crowns
 
T-MOBILE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Colbie Caillat
The Jonas Brothers
 
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lil Wayne
Chris Brown
The Eagles

Effervescent duo Sugarland underscored their critically acclaimed year, counting an inaugural nod in the prestigious Entertainer of the Year club among their five nominations. The pair also snagged a Single of the Year nod for the emotive "Stay," co-produced by Kristian Bush and Byron Gallimore, along with Vocal Duo, Video and Musical Event of the Year nominations.

Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert garnered more industry recognition, mirroring their increasing popularity, while Taylor Swift joined Female Vocalist of the Year ranks for the first time. Reigning Female Vocalist of the Year Underwood gained another nod in that category and added an Album of the Year nomination for her sophomore release, Carnival Ride. Lambert joins Underwood in the Female Vocalist of the Year category, and her fierce composition "Gunpowder and Lead" is up for Single of the Year.

Ace guitarist and crooner Keith Urban also earned two nominations, remaining in the elite Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year ranks. Perennial favorites Brooks & Dunn retained their dominance, garnering nods in Album and Vocal Duo of the Year categories. Trio Lady Antebellum also added more prestige to their glowing breakout year, earning Vocal Group and New Artist of the Year nominations. Little Big Town's success with critics and the industry remains potent, as the quartet scored Vocal Group and Musical Event nods. The ethereal Alison Krauss also earned two nods: a Female Vocalist of the Year nomination and Musical Event of the Year tap for her work with legend Robert Plant.

BMI songwriters Monty Criswell, Rodney Clawson and Wade Kirby earned a Song of the Year nomination for the poignant "I Saw God Today," while BMI troubadour Lee Thomas Miller also boasts a nod in the prestigious category for his composition "You're Gonna Miss This."

The 42nd Annual CMA Awards will be broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov.12 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC.

2008 BMI CMA Nominees

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Sugarland
Keith Urban

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Keith Urban

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean
Rodney Atkins
Lady Antebellum
James Otto

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Eagles
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland
The Wreckers

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
"Gunpowder & Lead"
Miranda Lambert
Produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke
Columbia Records

"I Saw God Today"
Co-produced by Tony Brown
MCA Nashville

"Stay"
Sugarland
Co-produced by Byron Gallimore and Kristian Bush
Mercury Nashville

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
Carnival Ride
Carrie Underwood
19 Recordings Limited/Arista/Arista Nashville

Cowboy Town
Brooks & Dunn
Produced by Tony Brown, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks
Arista Nashville

Good Time
Produced by Keith Stegall
Arista Nashville

Troubadour
Co-produced by Tony Brown
MCA Nashville

SONG OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Songwriter and Primary Publisher)
"I Saw God Today"
Co-written by Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell and Wade Kirby
Big Red Toe/Extremely Loud Music/Steel Wheels Music/Blind Mule Music

"You're Gonna Miss This"
Co-written by Lee Thomas Miller
EMI Blackwood Music/New Songs of Sea Gayle

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
(Award to each Artist)
Josh Turner featuring Trisha Yearwood
"Another Try"
MCA Nashville

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
"Gone, Gone, Gone"
Rounder Records

Sugarland featuring Little Big Town and Jake Owen
"Life In A Northern Town"
Mercury Nashville

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
"Good Time"
Alan Jackson
Directed by Trey Fanjoy

"Stay"
Sugarland

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Jerry Douglas - Dobro
Brent Mason - Guitar

DioGuardi, who shared BMI 2007 Pop Songwriter of the Year honors with Sean Garrett, has had her songs recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and Pink, among others. Her recent Top 40 hits include Stefani's "Rich Girl," Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man," Clarkson's "Walk Away" and Dion's "Taking Chances."

The newly-installed fourth judge on American Idol is confident she'll find her niche within the bickering, ratings-tested judges' panel where the line between love and hate is blurred with every critique.

"I'm just gonna speak to Simon the way I speak to everybody," DioGuardi told reporters during a teleconference Monday. "I'm just gonna have my opinion, be honest and I don't foresee any problems. I'm really excited about this, and up for the challenge."

The Grammy-nominated songwriter will make her debut when the eighth season of "Idol" premieres in January, the Fox network said Monday.

"We are turning the heat up on `Idol' this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges' table," said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller in a statement. "She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America's most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show."

The prestigious Album of the Year trophy went to Miranda Lambert for her critically acclaimed project, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Lambert accepted the award with genuine surprise and gratitude, thanking both the industry and fans for embracing her "left of center" approach. Her charged performance of single "Gunpowder and Lead" was easily one of the night's best.

Contemporary country royalty Carrie Underwood garnered the Top Female Vocalist crown for the second consecutive year. With the release of her sophomore effort, Carnival Ride, the powerhouse vocalist has eloquently underscored her undeniable staying power. Underwood also delivered a highlight of the ceremony, performing a duet with Brad Paisley on a beautifully pared-down version of Eddy Arnold's "Make the World Go Away," in tribute to the late icon.

Perennial favorites Brooks & Dunn took home yet another Top Vocal Duo win, marking their 15th award in the category. Brooks & Dunn stake a comfortable claim to the most-awarded pair in ACM history and remain contemporarily potent on top of their historically successful career.

Country golden girl Taylor Swift enjoyed more official recognition of her overwhelming crossover dominance with the Top New Female Vocalist honor. Eighteen year-old Swift tearfully thanked her mother for her early sacrifices and steadfast support.

Top New Male Vocalist went to singer/songwriter Jack Ingram. Already a familiar face to Texas and Americana fans, Ingram's win arrives on the heels of more than a decade of critically heralded albums and live shows. His breakout success in 2007 introduced him to a wider audience and delivered long overdue recognition.

Lady Antebellum earned Top New Duo or Vocal Group honors. The win marks the budding trio's first award and bodes well for their self-titled debut album.

Top Vocal Group honors went home with Rascal Flatts for the sixth consecutive year. The dominating crossover titans are now tied with legendary group Alabama for most wins in the coveted category. Rascal Flatts also received the Home Depot Humanitarian Award in recognition of their substantial philanthropic endeavors.

Tim McGraw shared in the Vocal Event of the Year win for "Find Out Who Your Friends Are," while Sugarland's Kristian Bush and producer Byron Gallimore enjoyed honors for their individual creative contributions to "Stay," named Single Record of the Year.

All BMI 2008 ACM Award Winners

Top Female Vocalist
Carrie Underwood

Top Vocal Group
Rascal Flatts

Top Vocal Duo
Brooks & Dunn

Top New Male Vocalist
Jack Ingram

Top New Female Vocalist
Taylor Swift

Top New Duo or Vocal Group
Lady Antebellum

Album of the Year
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Miranda Lambert

Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/ Producer(s)/ Record Company]
"Stay" by Sugarland
Co-produced by Kristian Bush and Byron Gallimore

Vocal Event of the Year
"Find Out Who Your Friends Are" featuring Tim McGraw

Home Depot Humanitarian Award
Rascal Flatts