Chesney Named Entertainer Of The Year At ACMs

Chesney and George Strait

Hosted by REBA McENTIRE, the 43rd Annual ACM (ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC) AWARDS were held last night (05/18), from the MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA in LAS VEGAS. Like most Country award shows lately there were some surprises, some expected moments, a dash of drama and lots of great music.

BNA superstar KENNY CHESNEY won his 4th straight ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Award, CARRIE UNDERWOOD was named BEST FEMALE ARTIST, BRAD PAISLEY won for BEST MALE ARTIST, RASCAL FLATTS were named GROUP OF THE YEAR, TAYLOR SWIFT won the BEST NEW FEMALE ARTIST Award and JACK INGRAM was named BEST NEW MALE ARTIST.

This year there was a new twist as the fans were allowed to vote for their favorite in the ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR category. There was a bit of ruffling of feathers on MUSIC ROW when RASCAL FLATTS offered a free and exclusive MP3 download for all fans who logged on and voted for them. Although the ACM said they had software that would detect tampering, RASCAL FLATTS soon rescinded the offer.

In response, when speaking backstage to reporters about the voting process, KENNY CHESNEY said that he appreciates the fans, but wasn't sure he was in favor of the whole thing:  “I am so thankful to the fans, and this is nothing against the act that had that MP3 thing, because I love them boys,” he said. “But the entertainer of the year award is the top award, and it represents work and sacrifice and commitment. And it should not be about what artist can push people’s buttons on the Internet. I think the Academy should really reconsider the way it does this award."

Here are last night's award winners. For the entire list and to read more in-depth about the show, visit www.tennessean.com. 

Entertainer of the Year: KENNY CHESNEY

Male Vocalist: BRAD PAISLEY

Female Vocalist: CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Group of the Year: RASCAL FLATTS

Top New Male: JACK INGRAM

New Female: TAYLOR SWIFT

Duo of the Year: BROOKS & DUNN

Album of the Year: "Crazy Ex Girlfriend,"- MIRANDA LAMBERT

Song Of the Year: "Stay"- SUGARLAND

Single of the Year: "Stay"- SUGARLAND

Video of the Year: "Online"- BRAD PAISLEY

Vocal Event of the Year: "Find Out Who Your Friends Are"- TRACY LAWRENCE w/ TIM MCGRAW and KENNY CHESNEY

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