In a move that shocked many country music fans, George Strait claimed the top prize at this year’s Country Music Awards. The veteran country star beat out many younger, more pop-friendly artists like Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Blake Shelton to win the award.

The honor for Strait comes as the 61 year-old is preparing to retire from touring. His “The Cowboy Rides Away Tour” began earlier this year and is set to wrap up some time in 2014. Strait also released a new album, Love Is Everything, in May of this year.

Other winners from the CMAs include Shelton, who won the award for Male Vocalist of the Year, and Miranda Lambert, who won the award for Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth consecutive time. Rising country star Kacey Musgraves, whose major-label debut Same Trailer Different Park became a surprise hit this year, won the CMA award for Best New Artist.

Scroll down for a full list of winners:

Entertainer of the Year
George Strait

Male Vocalist of the Year
Blake Shelton

Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert

Vocal Group of the Year
Little Big Town

Vocal Duo of the Year
Florida Georgia Line

New Artist Of The Year
Kacey Musgraves

Album of the Year
Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story

Single of the Year
Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise”

Song of the Year — award goes to songwriter(s)
“I Drive Your Truck” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, and Jimmy Yeary

Musical Event of the Year
Tim McGraw With Taylor Swift & Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”

Music Video of the Year
Tim McGraw, “Highway Don’t Care”

Musician of the Year
Mac McAnally

Pinnacle Award
Taylor Swift