Luke Bryan wins first prize at American Country Awards

Singer Luke Bryan has become the first winner at the 2013 American Country Awards (ACA) by taking home the honour for Male Country Music artist. The Drunk On You hitmaker beat Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Jason Aldean to lay claim to the prize, and he also took home the Country Touring Artist award.
Upon receiving his two accolades, Bryan became the first male country artist to nab 11 ACA prizes, making awards show history.
Lady Antebellum kicked off the Las Vegas event by performing their new single Compass, while ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons joined Jake Owen on stage to perform Days of Gold.
The prizegiving, which is hosted by singer Trace Adkins and NASCAR superstar Danica Patrick, is also set to feature performances from LeAnn Rimes, Justin Moore, Randy Houser and Thomas Rhett.