LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The Dixie Chicks won five Grammy Awards in Los Angeles Sunday night for "Taking the Long Way," their answer to critics of their political views.
The album won for Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year. The single "Not Ready to Make Nice" won for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Country Performance by a Duo or Group.
"There are people who are using their freedom of speech tonight," said singer Natalie Maines as the trio and crew collected their awards for Album of the Year, the last award of the evening. "I am very humbled. There were people who were using their voice tonight."
The Dixie Chicks fell out favor with many country music fans and radio station programmers after Maines' outspoken criticism of President George W. Bush during the lead-up to the Iraq War in 2003.
"Thank you for sticking by me" said Maines Sunday night. "We are very, very appreciative and honored."
In accepting the Country Album of the Year, the group's Emily Robison said the Dixie Chicks wanted to thank "our core fans who have always stayed true to us."
