Kenny Chesney 'flirted' with Shania Twain at Country Music Association Awards

Kenny Chesney "flirted" with Shania Twain at the Country Music Association Awards. The singer - who was presented with Entertainer of the Year for the fourth time by the 'Still The One' star - claims he was trying to cheer her up following her separation from husband Mutt Lange earlier this year.

After accepting the award at yesterday's ceremony (12.11.08) and telling Shania - who was making her first public appearance since the split - "You look great", he later said: "I flirted with Shania. Relationships are hard anyway - for anybody - but it's even tougher when your life is a spectator sport."

Kenny - who was previously married to actress Renee Zellweger - added: "Shania is an amazing artist. She can do anything she wants to do. Great songs are the key." Nicole Kidman was also present at the event to support husband Keith Urban, who performed at the show.

She said: "I'm most looking forward to him. Seeing him perform." The ceremony was presented by singers Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, with both hosts also being honoured with awards. Four-time nominee Brad took home two awards, including Male Vocalist and Music Video of the year for 'Waitin' on a Woman', while former 'American Idol' contestant Carrie - who made six costume changes -was named Female Vocalist of the Year for the third year in a row.

Accepting the award after performing 'Just A Dream', Carrie joked: "Mama, it's real hard to sing when you're in the second row crying." Other stars at the awards, which took place in Nashville, Tennessee, included Reese Witherspoon and 'Hannah Montana' star Miley Cyrus.

Country Music Association Awards main winners list:

Entertainer of the Year - Kenny Chesney
Female Vocalist- Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist - Brad Paisley
New Artist - Lady Antebellum
Vocal Group - Rascal Flatts
Vocal Duo - Sugarland
Single of the Year (to artist and producer) - 'I Saw God Today' by George Strait, produced by Tony Brown and Strait Album of the Year (to artist and producer) - 'Troubadour' by George Strait, produced by Tony Brown and George Strait Song of the Year (to songwriter) - 'Stay' by Jennifer Nettles
Musical Event of the Year - 'Gone, Gone, Gone' by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Music Video of the Year - 'Waitin' on a Woman' by Brad Paisley Musician of the Year - Mac McAnally