Underwood, who also won top female vocalist honors, broke Kenny Chesney?s four-year winning streak by becoming the first woman to win entertainer of the year since the Dixie Chicks took home the prize in 2000.

?I accepted that award on behalf of myself and my fans, but also on behalf of women who came before me that kicked butt but never got the recognition they deserved,? Underwood said. ?I can?t wait [for] the day, which I hope is in the very near future, where having females in the category is no big deal whatsoever.?

Although Chesney lost his bid to tie Alabama for the most entertainer of the year honors, the country favorite showed he was the perfect gentleman by kissing Underwood on the cheek when she walked onstage to claim the award.

?He told me he was proud of me,? said Underwood.

Including Underwood, the Academy has only awarded women performers the top entertainer of the year award seven times. Previous winners were Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain and Dixie Chicks. No lady performer has won the Academy?s entertainer of the year honor twice.

?Women just have to work harder to stay in the running with the guys,? said the evening?s host and 1994?s entertainer of the year, Reba McEntire, before the show. ?It?s always been the that way and the women always overachieve, in my opinion.?

Please click here for a complete list of award winners.