By JOHN GEROME, AP Entertainment Writer
1 hour, 24 minutes ago
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, saying the academy turned the award "into a sweepstakes to see who can push people's buttons the hardest on the Internet."
Messages left for officials with the Academy of Country Music Awards were not immediately returned Sunday night.
Chesney was the night's leading nominee with 11, and ended up winning twice. 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.
"I really want to say the reason I'm in country music is because my grandfather would make me listen to Buck Owens when I was like 4 years old, and I think Buck was the first male vocalist for this organization. I'm so honored to carry the torch for another year," Paisley said.
Carrie Underwood also took home her second consecutive female vocalist trophy.
"I know I don't deserve it, but I'll take it," Underwood said. "Fans got me everything I have, and I owe everything to you."
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 night's 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."
Dr. Phil presented Brooks & Dunn their award. "I'm glad Dr. Phil was here because we need therapy for this one," Kix Brooks cracked.
Miranda Lambert won album of the year and Sugarland took single record and song of the year honors for their mellow hit "Stay."
Rodney AtkinsJack IngramJason AlexanderRoger Clemenscountry singer Mindy McCready
http://www.acmcountry/content/index.php
No comments:
Post a Comment