Country star Luke Combs (32, "The Kind of Love We Make") has been named "Entertainer of the Year" at the CMA Country Awards. At the Country Music Association Gala on Wednesday evening (local time) in Nashville, he prevailed against Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen and Carrie Underwood. He had already won the top prize last year. Combs also won Album of the Year ("Growin' Up").

Chris Stapleton (44) won the Best Singer category, while Lainey Wilson was named Best Female Singer. The 30-year-old also won the prize as a young artist. Old Dominion was voted best group, the Brothers Osborne duo of the year.

Stars like Katy Perry, Thomas Rhett and Carly Pearce took the stage at the show in the country heartland of Nashville.

Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Reba McEntire paid tribute to country singer Loretta Lynn, who died in early October at the age of 90.

Elle King and The Black Keys performed the legendary song "Great Balls of Fire" in memory of singer Jerry Lee Lewis, who died on October 28. The 87-year-old rock 'n' roll star, who also released country hits like "Another Place Another Time" and "Would You Take Another Chance on Me", was recently inducted into the "Country Music Hall of Fame".

The CMA Awards were presented for the 56th time. More than 7000 members of the country association select the winners.