Garth Brooks used his designation as 2019's CMA Entertainer of the Year to shine a spotlight on his peers and family.

Backstage after the show, Brooks spoke with the media about his big win recognizing 2018 Entertainer of the Year and fellow nominee Keith Urban in his address.

"It's sweet being the Entertainer of the Year; it's always a wonderful thought," he said quote via the Boot). "I'm also trying to remember whose name has been on for the last 365 days, and that's Keith Urban. If Keith Urban's name is on an award, it's one you want."

The fact that Brooks was awarded the top prize surprised many fans who were expecting Carrie Underwood's name to be called. While the "Friends in Low Places" singer was performing in stadiums for upwards of 80,000 fans throughout the year on his Stadium Tour, there was a lot of momentum behind Underwood, who spent four months on her power packed Cry Pretty Tour 360 with Maddie & Tae and Runaway June. Even Miranda Lambert rallied behind her for the award.

Brooks' win came at the end of a night dedicated to the women of country music, hosted by Underwood, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. He says he supports that too, tipping a hat to wife Trisha Yearwood and his three daughters August, Taylor and Allie.

"And then my favorite thing about this, it was on a historic night where country music salutes women," he said backstage. "Being married to one of the greatest female singers on the planet, no matter what genre of music it is, and then being the father of three daughters, I like the message tonight that the future is infinite."

His 2019 win marks the seventh time Brooks has taken home the Entertainer of the Year prize. The superstar will wrap up his Stadium Tour dates for the year at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday (Nov. 16). He'll resume the tour in 2020, performing at the Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. on Feb. 22.

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