LAS VEGAS — Kenny Chesney won entertainer of the year for a fourth straight time Sunday, then promptly took issue with the way the Academy of Country music awarded the honor: through fan votes.
For the first time in the show’s 43 years, the top prize — traditionally decided by ACM members — was determined through online voting. With the win, Chesney ties Garth Brooks and trails only Alabama, which won five in a row.
Chesney said immediately backstage that he thought fans should be included, just not by voting for the show’s most important award.
“The entertainer of the year trophy is supposed to represent heart and passion and an amazing amount of sacrifice, commitment and focus,” he said. “That’s the way Garth won it four times, that’s the way I won it, that’s the way (George) Strait won it, Reba (McEntire), Alabama all those years. That’s what it’s supposed to represent.”
He said his complaint is directed at the industry, not the fans — and that the method amounted to “complete disrespect” of the artists.
“I don’t think it’s right that they pick the one award that means the most, that all the artists sacrifice the most for. They’ve taken it from what the award really represents (and turned it) into a sweepstakes to see who can push people’s buttons the hardest on the Internet.”
Chesney was the night’s leading nominee with 11, and ended up winning two. His other win was for vocal event of the year for his work on the Tracy Lawrence hit “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.”
Brad Paisley won top male vocalist, his second in a row. Carrie Underwood also took home her second consecutive female vocalist trophy.
It was a night of repeats. Rascal Flatts’ top vocal group win was its sixth in a row, while Brooks &Dunn won their 13th straight award for top vocal duo.
“We’d like to give God all the thanks and all the glory for giving us a stage to stand on every night,” said Rascal Flatts singer LeVox. Bandmate Joe Don Rooney had other things on his mind. He glanced at his watch and said he had to get home. “I’ve got a baby coming any minute.”
LeVox disagreed with Chesney about the top honor, saying he hoped it the fans continued to choose.
“It’s about time,” he said, calling fans “the reason that all three of us have jobs.”
Miranda Lambert won album of the year and Sugarland took single record and song of the year honors for their mellow hit “Stay.” The win was big for Lambert, who beat out superstars Chesney and Paisley, as well as hot new acts Taylor Swift and Rodney Atkins.
Jack Ingram won top new male vocalist. The 37-year-old Texan released his first album in 1992 and bounced around a number of record labels before his career took off.
Lady Antebellum took home top new duo or vocal group. “Does this mean we get to hang out with Kenny Chesney now?” the trio’s Charles Kelley joked.
Swift won top new female vocalist. The 18-year-old thanked her mother for going on the road with her beginning when she was 16, leaving behind a comfortable life to sleep in rental cars and on airplanes so her teenage daughter could pursue her dream.
“Mom, thank you so much,” she said as she fought back tears. “I love you. This is for you.”
Country music winners
The list of winners at the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards from Las Vegas:
Entertainer of the year: Kenny Chesney
Top male vocalist: Brad Paisley
Top female vocalist: Carrie Underwood
Top vocal group: Rascal Flatts
Top vocal duo: Brooks &Dunn
Top new male vocalist: Jack Ingram
Top new female vocalist: Taylor Swift
Top new duo or vocal group: Lady Antebellum
Album of the year: “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” Miranda Lambert
Single record of the year: “Stay,” Sugarland
Song of the year: “Stay,” Sugarland (Jennifer Nettles, composer)
Video of the year: “Online,” Brad Paisley (Jason Alexander, director)
Vocal event of the year: “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” Tracy Lawrence with Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney
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