Pickler’s “I Wonder” won three awards, including the USA Weekend breakthrough video of the year honor. Swift, who went home with two trophies Monday, won last year’s breakthrough video award for “Tim McGraw.”

This year, Swift and video director Trey Fanjoy accepted the biggest prize — the video of the year award — for “Our Song.” It was also named female video of the year.

Pickler’s wins included two new award categories. In addition to “I Wonder” being named tearjerker of the year, her live rendition of the song on the 41st annual CMA Awards show was voted performance of the year. The latter category is devoted to a musical performance on a TV show, series or variety special on a broadcast or major cable network.

Pickler, who was unable to attend the awards show because of a private concert previously scheduled in Scottsdale, Ariz., accepted her first award via satellite.

“Oh, my gosh,” Pickler said. “This is the first time I’ve ever won anything in my life. I’m so excited. I don’t know what to say. Thank you, American Idol. You are the rocket that launched my career.” After thanking her record label, management company, songwriters and video directors, Pickler said, “If I forget to say your name, it’s not because I forgot you. Well, it is because I forgot, but I don’t know what to say right now.”

Swift, who took her first CMT Music Award on the road to show her fans, expressed continued gratitude for her success.

“I want to thank everybody on MySpace — all the people who have made fan sites for me,” she said. “I don’t have a fan club, so you guys have done so much for me. I can’t even believe this right now.”

CMT is donating $2,500 to each winner’s favorite charity as part of CMT One Country, an initiative that celebrates giving back to the community through acts of great kindness, civic participation and volunteerism.

The 2008 CMT Music Awards show took place at The Curb Event Center on the campus of Belmont University.

Snoop Dog traded in his pimp gear and donned a cowboy hat for the show

Paula Abdul took a break from American Idol to show some love to show alums, Kelly Pickler and Taylor Swift