Carrie Underwood has emerged a winner from country music’s biggest night with the CMA Awards. The former “American Idol” won female vocalist of the year and single of the year for “Before He Cheats.”

Carrie, 24, wearing a $295,000 diamond and gold watch from the Johnathon Arndt Gallery of Jewels, beat out country legend Reba McEntire for the vocalist award. "If you had told me a few years ago I would have been nominated with the people that I have been nominated with, I would have called you absolutely insane,” she said.

Carrie, who has been widely linked to “Gossip Girls” cutie Chace Crawford, didn’t bring a date.

Nicole Kidman flew all the way from Australia to support hubby Keith Urban in Nashville. Nicole told “Extra” she was thankful she had a break from filming.

“I’m just really grateful the director let me go,” she said.

Nicole and Keith also gave “Extra” a rare red carpet interview, spilling secrets to their solid marriage.

“Well it wouldn’t be a secret if we told you!” Keith said, though he added, “Staying together is wonderful. Staying together is the most important thing.”

Other big winners of the night are Brad Paisley for male vocalist of the year, his first win after six previous nominations; Kenny Chesney for entertainer of the year and Taylor Swift for the Horizon Award. Rascal Flatts took home vocal group of the year.

When Brad took the stage to accept his award he turned to wife Kimberly Williams Paisley and said, “I want to thank my wife – ‘cause she’s right over there!”

The “According to Jim” cutie hosted the show, along with “Desperate Housewives” star James Denton and “Private Practice’s” Kate Walsh.

Later in the night, Kellie Pickler broke down in tears while performing her heart wrenching song “I Wonder,” about the mother she never knew. The former “Idol” contestant barely made it through the song as tears streamed down her face. When she finished, the crowd – which included Gretchen Wilson and Kid Rock – erupted in applause.

Stars like Jessica Simpson, Jamie Foxx, and a solo Sara Evans strolled the red carpet before sitting down for the rousing show, which included a performance by The Eagles. The group’s newest disc, ‘The Long Road Out of Eden,” is currently at the No. 1 spot on the charts, beating Britney Spears’ album “Blackout.”

Click on an image to view the CMA AWARDS photo gallery!