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Keith Urban Sends Poignant Thank You Note For Male Artist Of The Year Win 

(CBS) Brooks & Dunn were the big winners at the 40th Annual Country Music Association Awards, earning single of the year, song of the year, and music video of the year for "Believe." They also won vocal duo of the year.

But the most poignant moment of the evening came when Ronnie Dunn accepted an award for someone else — Keith Urban. Urban is undergoing drug rehabilitation and could not attend the event, but he sent a letter which Dunn read to an emotional audience.

"I'm pained not being here with you all tonight," Urban wrote, before listing several people he wanted to thank for his male vocalist of the year award.

He closed with, "To my wife Nicole [Kidman], 'I love you' and to my friends and family and to all the 'monkeyville' [fan club] family for your love and faith. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and am looking forward to coming home and seeing all of you. God bless you, Keith."

Urban's battle with drugs was just part of the behind-the-scenes drama of the evening.

Singer Sara Evans performed, only weeks after her high profile divorce battle forced her to leave the reality show "Dancing With The Stars." Dressed in jeans and a pretty top, Evans sang "Real Fine Place To Start" to warm applause.