LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Kenny Chesney won his fourth straight entertainer of the year award, capturing the top honor once again at Sunday night's 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.
For the first time, the ceremony's biggest prize was decided by a fan vote. While obviously thankful for the award, the 40-year-old singer did express his disappointment backstage at the revised selection procedure.
"I don't think it's right that they picked the one award that means the most, that all artists sacrificed the most for, and turned it into ... a sweepstakes, to seeing who can push people's buttons the hardest on the Internet," Chesney said, according to Reuters.
"It's a complete disrespect of the artists. I think because of that it really diminishes the integrity of the work."
With the win, Chesney tied Garth Brooks for most lifetime victories in the top category. He now only trails Alabama, which won the award five consecutive times.
Other big winners included Carrie Underwood, who was named top female vocalist for the second year in a row, and Taylor Swift, who won top new female vocalist.
Brooks was honored at the ceremony with the Academy of Country Music Crystal Milestone Award.
43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Winners List
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
Academy of Country Music Crystal Milestone Award: Garth Brooks
The ACM/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award: Rascal Flatts
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