Dean Brody, who sang about "Canadian Girls" looking sexy in their toques, choked back emotion Sunday as he was named male artist of the year at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. It was a good night for the man from Jafferay, B.C. He opened the show in Saskatoon with an enthusiastic performance of his hit single "Canadian Girls" before a crowd of more than 11,000 people and ended the night by winning album of the year for his record "DIRT." Carolyn Dawn Johnson was named female artist of the year -- a title she's won four previous times. Johnson was presented her award by American country music superstar Taylor Swift, who received the generation award honouring those who have pushed country music forward to new audiences. She told the crowd "you're the ones who make me feel so at home that I can't wait to come back and see you every single time." Jason Blaine's tribute to his grandparents' love story captured hearts at the award show. The Pembroke, Ontario native won single of the year for his song "They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore." Performers included Brody, Blaine, Paul Brandt, Doc Walker, Johnny Reid, and Kira Isabella, who won the rising star award. Scottish-born crooner Reid won the fans' choice award -- his fourth win in a row in that category. Husband and wife duo The Stellas won video of the year for "In This House," and for the second year in a row Hey Romeo was named group of the year.
