Kellie Pickler Leads The Night With 3 CMT Awards

SCOTTSDALE, AZ. / NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ BNA Entertainment) - Hat Tricks, Triple Crowns, Trifectas - big things come in 3's. For Kellie Pickler, the first award of her career turned into a triple- play as the perky singer-songwriter captured the most wins of the night at the CMT Music Awards for her emotional ballad, 'I Wonder.'

'This is the first time I've ever won anything in my life,' said a visibly shaken Pickler via satellite from Scottsdale , AZ after winning the USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year. Little did she know that the 'first time winning anything' would also yield her the 'Tearjerker Video of the Year' directed by Robert Deaton and George Flanigen as well as an award for the 'Performance of the Year,' the result of her powerful performance of 'I Wonder,' on the CMA Awards last fall.

'None of this would be possible if it weren't for the fans who buy the records, come to our concerts and vote, and vote and vote and vote,' laughed Pickler. 'And Country Radio - they've been so incredible, playing my songs and helping to make my dreams come true. And of course, CMT. Thank you so much for playing my videos and I wish I could have been there last night to celebrate with everyone. I can't wait to get home and choose just the right heels to go with my new Buckles!' Pickler was referring to the CMT Music Award trophy, which is shaped like a large rodeo-style belt buckle.

Fans also singled out Pickler above all other up and coming artists by voting her the winner of the 'Nationwide Insurance Life Comes At You Fast' Award, an off camera honor. This is the first year for the award.

On the red high heels of her Gold certified debut album, Small Town Girl, which produced the hits, 'Red High Heels,' 'I Wonder,' (both of which she co-wrote) and 'Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind,' Kellie will return to Nashville next week to continue work on her sophomore album due out later this year.