NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Blake Shelton is entertainer of the year at the Country Music Association Awards.

"The Voice" star won the award for the first time Thursday night, beating out previous winners Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift and fellow nominee Jason Aldean.

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It was Shelton's third win of an emotional night and caps one of country's best career reboots.

The 36-year-old Oklahoma native had reached a stagnant point in his career, but started to climb again about three years ago with a series of hit singles, his marriage to fellow country star Miranda Lambert and his appearance in the spinning chair on "The Voice."

Associated Press