NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Lonestar was named best group at the Country Music Association awards Wednesday night, while Brooks & Dunn took home their ninth award for best vocal duo during a ceremony that pushed patriotism front-and-centre.

"We are so proud to be part of country music," said Dean Sams of Lonestar.

"Thanks for letting us be a part of what's healing this country right now."

Brooks & Dunn opened the show with their patriotic hit Only in America on a stage outlined in red, white and blue. Streamers straight out of a Fourth of July parade were released in the audience near the end of the number.

Host Vince Gill said the United States needs "all the red, white and blue we can get these days" after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"In times like these, we need music more," Gill said.

"It's always such a huge part of our American heritage. Throughout history, music has always lifted our spirits in times of struggle."

In other early awards, I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow from the film O Brother, Where Art Thou? was named best single.

"I should thank George Clooney, for one," said Dan Tyminski, who did the singing for the actor in the movie.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? was also nominated for best album.

Too Country won for best vocal event. Young star Brad Paisley recruited veterans George Jones, Bill Anderson and Buck Owens for his record of Anderson's song, which defends traditional U.S. values and music.

Guitarist-producer Dann Huff was named best musician. The best video was Born to Fly by Sara Evans.

"Oh my gosh, this is my first award ever," she gushed.

"I shouldn't cry about the video award but I'm going to."

Performers included Nickel Creek, Trisha Yearwood, keith urban and Tim McGraw doing The Cowboy in Me. Garth Brooks teamed up with George Jones to perform their hit single Beer Run.

Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, George Strait and Reba McEntire were among more than 25 stars slated to sing.

Backstage, security was increased over previous years. Rehearsals were taped with an eye to broadcasting some of them if the live event were somehow forced off the air.

Nominated for the top award of best entertainer were Brooks & Dunn, the Dixie Chicks, Jackson, McGraw and Strait. The Dixie Chicks won it last year. Up for best male vocalist were Strait, Jackson, McGraw, Paisley and Toby Keith.

Nominees for the Horizon Award, which goes to a performer with good career prospects, were Jessica Andrews, Nickel Creek, Jamie O'Neal, urban and Phil Vassar.

Contenders for best album, in addition to O Brother, were Born to Fly by Evans, McGraw's Set This Circus Down, Steers & Stripes by Brooks & Dunn and When Somebody Loves You by Jackson.

About 6,000 CMA members nominate and select the winners.