Country singer George Strait [ tickets ] was crowned Entertainer of the Year at last Thursday’s (6/15) TNN Music Awards ceremony. Strait dominated the event with wins in four other categories, including Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for his 1999 release “Always Never the Same.” The TNN Music Awards are determined by fan votes.

Newcomer Brad Paisley [ tickets ], whose debut album “Who Needs Pictures” was released last year, garnered multiple awards as well. The 27-year-old won both Song of the Year and CMT Video of the year for “He Didn’t Have to Be,” as well as the Discovery award, which honors the artist who fans think is most likely to have a long career as a country music star.

In addition to his four other wins, Strait was presented with the Discovery award, which recognizes an artist who contributes to country music’s positive presence in the media. Strait, who recently wrapped up his third annual George Strait [ tickets ] Country Music Festival, was not present at Thursday’s ceremony.

Other winners included Kenny Rogers [ tickets ], Faith Hill [ tickets ], Alabama [ tickets ] and the Dixie Chicks. Rogers was given the Career Achievement honor, while Hill took the prize for Female Artist of the Year for the second consecutive year. Hill begins a co-headlining tour next month with husband Tim McGraw.

Alabama was honored with the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award in recognition of the group’s charitable work, while the Dixie Chicks won for the best Group/Duo of the Year. The Chicks, currently on tour in support of their highly successful album “Fly” were not on hand to accept their award.

The TNN Music Awards took place in Nashville as part of the 29th annual International Country Music Fan Fair week-long festival.