It was a big night for Garth Brooks at the Academy of Country Music Awards. But it was an even bigger night for him at a Nashville hospital.
Moments before he was named entertainer of the year for the fourth straight time and his "We Shall Be Free" video was picked as best of the year Tuesday night, Brooks' wife, Sandy, gave birth to a 9-pound, 3-ounce girl, August Anna."If Garth Brooks thinks being with his wife when she's having a baby is more important than a piece of plastic and metal, I don't know where his values are," Jay Leno joked as he held the trophy for the absent winner.
Leno, in a blue rhinestone suit and cowboy hat, strode on stage near the end of the 29th annual ceremony to announce the top entertainer just after producer Dick Clark told the audience about the couple's second child.
Alan Jackson did double duty as one of the show's hosts and as a winner of two trophies, for best single and best album.
Jackson and co-host Reba McEntire were the night's most-nominated performers, with seven nods each from the 4,400-member academy. McEntire went home empty-handed.
Naomi Judd accepted the female vocalist trophy for her daughter Wynonna, who was bedridden with back trouble.
"I'm so proud of you, baby," the beaming mother said.
Kentucky newcomer John Michael Montgomery pulled in two trophies, for new male vocalist and top song for "I Love the Way You Love Me." "It feels heavy and nice. I like it," Montgomery said, clutching a trophy backstage.
Vince Gill won his second consecutive male vocalist award. Merle Haggard, who has won 15 ACM awards - more than anyone else - presented it.
The six-member band Little Texas, named after a road south of Nashville that was known decades ago as an outlaws' hideaway, was picked best vocal group. The group is best known for its hit single "My Love."
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, riding the popularity of their album "Hard Workin' Man," won their second consecutive duet award.
Mississippi's Faith Hill was picked best new female vocalist. She has the hit single "Piece of My Heart."
The five-member Gibson Miller Band picked up the trophy for best new vocal group or duet.
Singer Charley Pride won the noncompetitive Pioneer Award, and singer John Anderson was given the noncompetitive Career Achievement Award.