Rihanna stars alongside Taylor Swift at Academy of Country Music awards

Surprise performers at the 46th Academy of Country Music awards in Las Vegas on Sunday night included Steven Tyler and Rihanna, but the night belonged to Taylor Swift and rising star Miranda Lambert. Taking the stage to collect the award for entertainer of the year, the 21-year old Swift said: "This is the first time that I've ever won this and I'm just losing my mind."

Aerosmith singer and American Idol judge Tyler duetted with Carrie Underwood – winner of the TV talent show in 2005 – on a high-energy version of Walk This Way, while the importance of the CMAs to all sectors of the US music industry was demonstrated when Rihanna joined country singer Jennifer Nettles for a Nashville-influenced version of the R&B star's latest single California King Bed.

The 27-year-old Lambert was the biggest winnner of the night, picking up awards such as female vocalist of the year as well the song, video and single of the year trophies for The House That Built Me.

The new artist award went to Mississippi group the Band Perry, who also picked up single of the year for If I Die Young. Nashville band Lady Antebellum won album of the year and Brad Paisley was named top male vocalist for the fifth year running.

Previous winners of the prestigious entertainer of the year award include Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.