Taylor was named Artist of the Year and Songwriter/Artist of the Year, with her album Fearless earning Country Album of the Year honors. Presented by Leadership Music in partnership with music festival and conference Next Big Nashville, the Nashville Music Awards were established to recognize outstanding contributions in all genres of music and to celebrate the diversity and quality of artists and music professionals who call Nashville their home. Other top winners included Lady Antebellum for New Artist of the Year and Liz Rose, who frequently collaborates with Taylor Swift, as Songwriter of the Year. This marked the first Nashville Music Awards since 2000.