Brad Paisley says he wasn't shocked to see Taylor Swift earn the CMA Entertainer of the Year award. Paisley was one of the stars who helped Swift along the way, taking her on the road as an opener on his 2007 Bonfires and Amplifiers tour. He notes she definitely has the musical skills, along with good people surrounding her who are giving her great guidance and support.

Barbara Mandrell thinks Swift's career is still on the rise. The Country Music Hall of Famer -- and two-time recipient of the CMA's top prize -- says she's impressed with Swift's writing and performance skills, as well as with how she's handling her career. She notes she thinks, quote, "it'll be exciting to watch where she takes it."

Swift, who just launched her career three years ago, has seen her career skyrocket. At 19 she's the youngest artist ever to earn the CMA Entertainer of the Year honors. In addition, she's the first woman to take the title since Shania Twain back in 1999, and she's only the sixth solo female artist to receive the award in the event's 43-year history.