LAS VEGAS – Toby Keith, often snubbed by the Academy of Country Music, was a quadruple winner at Wednesday night’s annual awards as entertainer of the year and male vocalist and for his album “Shock ‘n Y’All” and the video “Beer for My Horses” with Willie Nelson.
“I always kept hoping this night would come,” he said as he picked up the night’s biggest award.
Keith, who had won only three times before, was named entertainer of the year in 2003, but left the venue after being snubbed for other awards.
“Thank God for blessing us,” he said. “Let’s all go partyin’ and rock out here in Vegas.”
Brooks &Dunn added to their record 17 Academy of Country Music awards, beating out Montgomery Gentry and three other groups for the top vocal duo award.
Alan Jackson won single record of the year and vocal event – his 12th and 13th career ACM awards – for “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” with Jimmy Buffett.
“Thanks to the academy and of course all the fans that made this such a fun song to hear on the radio,” said Jackson, who entered the program with a leading eight bids among the male-dominated nominations – two of them in the best single category.
Martina McBride won top female vocalist for the third straight year. She also won humanitarian of the year.
“I’m just really grateful that I get to live this life and I get to share it with so many wonderful people,” said McBride.
Group of the year award went to Rascal Flatts for a second straight year.
Randy Travis was a longshot winner for song of the year with “Three Wooden Crosses.”
Winners at Wednesday’s 39th annual Academy of Country Music Awards:
Entertainer: Toby Keith.
Male Vocalist: Toby Keith.
Female Vocalist: Martina McBride.
New Artist: Dierks Bentley.
Vocal Group: Rascal Flatts.
Vocal Duo: Brooks &Dunn.
Single: “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett.
Song: “Three Wooden Crosses,” songwriters Douglas Johnson, Kim Williams, artist Randy Travis.
Album: “Shock ‘N Y’all,” Toby Keith.
Video: “Beer for My Horses,” Toby Keith, Willie Nelson.
Humanitarian: Martina McBride.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
