Kenny Chesney scored Entertainer of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards for the 4th time Sunday but he's not happy about it. Chesney is whining that the Academy allowed fans to vote online to determine the top honors - apparently he prefers it be done the good ol' boys way - by secret ballot from industry insiders only.
On stage to receive his trophy he was gracious. The country singer thanked fans “for being there” for him and said it was a “really extra special” award.
But because the rules were changed for that award this year - so that it's voted on by the fans and not the academy members - he feels the win is somehow tarnished.
Backstage at the ACMs on Sunday night, Chesney revealed his true feelings and fumed to reporters in the press room: "They took it from what the award really represents into a sweepstakes to see who can push people's buttons the hardest on the Internet."
"It's complete disrespect of the artist, what they've lowered it to. It really diminishes the integrity of the music that we're making. And I can say that because I won."
Comments
I agree with Kenny completely. That would be like allowing the fans to vote on who should be inducted into the grand ole opry. If everyone voted Carrie Underwood just because she's pretty and won American Idol but knew nothing of country music it would be tarnished. Same goes for entertainer of the year. He very well should have won it again, like always, but it's good to get a pat on the back from the industry itself.
Posted by: Aleisa | May 21, 2008 4:44 AM