East Texas

By LAUREN KEATON
Entertainment Writer

Lindale native, singer/songwriter and force-of-nature Miranda Lambert stepped up to the plate Wednesday night, competing against the who's who of country music at the 41st annual Country Music Association awards for Female Vocalist of the Year.

The rising superstar did not take home the coveted title; instead, "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood was presented with the award.

Other nominated artists were Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Alison Krauss.

Early in the awards show, Ms. Lambert took the stage, performing her latest single "Gunpowder and Lead."

Commanding the Nashville venue in a shimmering red dress and her signature golden locks, the country notable belted the fearless tune, showing the span of her talent - a talent that has projected her into the glare of America's limelight.

The "Famous in a Small Town" songstress gained public attention on USA's Nashville Star in 2003.

Leaving the show as the third finalist, she has far surpassed fellow "Star" contestants, repeatedly hitting the country charts and producing platinum-selling debut project "Kerosene."

Ms. Lambert's sophomore album, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," only furthered her career, reaching the top spot on country Billboard charts and selling nearly 53,000 copies in its first week, according to mirandalambert.com.

In May, the star was named "Best New Female Vocalist" at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Weeks later, the state of Texas honored Ms. Lambert, presenting her with a Texas House Resolution.

When the entertainer learned she was nominated for the CMA title in August, she gushed about the event's magnitude.

"All I have to say is I am in the category with REBA!" Ms. Lambert said. "I am sure all of the other nominees would agree that it's an extreme honor to be nominated with a true music icon."

With the success and critical acclaim of her edgy 2007 compilation, Ms. Lambert seems to have nothing but a bright future ahead.

Rolling Stone magazine projects Ms. Lambert will be earning more awards and nominations in the near future, saying "Lambert stormed the country charts with the incendiary 'Kerosene' in 2005. Now she tops herself on what will likely remain the country album of the year."

BELT IT OUT: Miranda Lambert performs during the 41st Annual Country Music Association Awards, on Wednesday in Nashville, Tenn.
((AP Photo By Mark Humphrey))