A STAGE collapsed during a storm at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, sending steel scaffolding into the terrified crowd and killing at least five people awaiting a performance by the country band Sugarland.

The number of people killed after a stage collapsed at a state fair in the US last night has risen to five.

The young women of country ruled the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas last night, with Taylor Swift winning the prestigious entertainer of the year award and the night’s top nominee, Miranda Lambert, taking home four trophies.

The American Music Awards spread things around, with country star Tim McGraw, alternative rockers Green Day, soul stars Destiny’s Child and hip-hop chart toppers Black Eyed Peas each winning two awards.

Elton John and Dolly Parton will duet for the first time at the Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) in New York City.