2010 CMT Music Awards: Carrie Underwood Among Early Winners

his year's CMT Music Awards has been kicked off and those winning early at the celebration have been unveiled. One of the lucky ones was Carrie Underwoodwho received CMT Performance of the Year for her single "Temporary Home".

She beat down Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and trio Lady Antebellum. "This song means so much to me. Thank you, all the fan club members who were there for Invitation Only. You guys are awesome," she said when collecting the trophy.

Announced by Faith Hill and Taylor Swift, Hillary Scott and her bandmates, meanwhile, managed to snatch a prize for Group Video of the Year, thanks to their "Need You Now" clip. They pushed aside Gloriana, Rascal Flatts and Zac Brown Band. "Tonight's all about the fans," Dave Haywood said upon accepting the honor. "Thank you, fans!" Charles Kelley also declared his love for fans.

Brooks & Dunn won Duo Video of the Year over such contenders as Steel Magnolia and Sugarland. "We were not expecting this so much that Mr. Dunn has gone to the restroom -- in Santa Fe, N.M," Kix Brooks stated. The award was presented by Kellie Pickler who teamed up with NFL star Terrell Owen.

Blake Shelton shared Collaborative Video of the Year award with Trace Adkins for their duet in "Hillbilly Bone". Thanking Reba who presented the honor, Blake told the crowd packed into Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on June 9, "Thanks to the fans for voting for us. Thanks to Trace Adkins for being the biggest bad-ass in country music."

Luke Bryan got USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year, thanking fans for changing his life. "Y'all are doing it every day," he said in gratitude. Furthermore, Shaun Shilva whose credits include Luke's "Do I" music video was named Director of the Year.