Kenny Chesney Should Be Lauded for Speaking Up
Of the two major network country music awards shows, the ACM show has always lagged behind the CMA Awards show in terms of ratings and industry prestige. So, it’s been trying new innovations. The move to Las Vegas has benefited the show, certainly in terms of its image and profile. Before this year, all of the ACM awards and the CMA awards were chosen by industry voters. For 2008, the ACM rulers decided to have the entertainer of the year chosen by fan votes. An interesting notion - and one that garnered much publicity.
In the course of ACM voting, Rascal Flatts fans were offered a free MP3 download of Flatts music in exchange for voting for the band. That’s what Kenny Chesney was referring to after the awards show when he made mention of turning the entertainer award into a “sweepstakes.” Read Chesney’s words carefully. He was not chastising anyone. He was simply saying this: With an award this important, it should not be given over to selection by whimsy or by pressure group voting. Or by any kind of favoritism. He said, and he obviously meant it with all his heart and conscience, that an award this significant — to fans, artists and industry — should not be given over to any kind of questionable methodology.
The ACM, to its credit, halted the MP3 giveaway quickly and claimed that it withdrew all Flatts votes that had been influenced by that. Fans’ opinions are becoming heated today on the matter of Chesney’s remarks and on the entire subject. Many feel Chesney insulted fans. Many others agree with his position. To give Chesney the benefit of the totality of his remarks, read the entire story on CMT.com containing his statement. Pay special attention to this section:
“I think it’s a complete disrespect of the artist — what they’ve lowered us to, to get entertainer of the year. … Because of that, it really diminishes the integrity of the music that we’re making and how much work goes into it. That’s what really matters. That’s what entertainer of the year really is. It’s not about flying somebody to some shows and giving free songs away — and giving this and that — and seeing how hard you can push people’s buttons on the Internet. As much as I love the ACMs and what they’ve done for my life, that’s how I really feel about it… And I can say that because I won tonight.”
I think Chesney is to be commended for leading with his conscience and for speaking his mind.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
brenda butler says:
im reall shock an hurt as a fan will use to be at kenny criticizes for the acm letting fans have a voice in voting for entertainer of the year i cant belive he stood there an act like a total jerk where dose he come off acting like this dose he know if not for the fans he just still migth be in a bar sing for his meals , im real hurt iv burn all his cd an want stop at this ,,, some kind of a person may god reall bless u ,
Lisa Songer says:
Let me state right off the bat that I am a Huge Kenny Chesney fan. That being said when I first heard a snippet of what he said about the award I was sort of hurt but then I got on line and read his whole comment. If you read it you will see that he was not acting like a jerk and in no way did he criticize his or anyone elses fans. He made a very good point the award should not be fan voted. The artist should be judged by their peers who know what it takes to do what they do, it is not a popularity contest. Take a minute and really read what Kenny said and take it for how it was meant.
ANB says:
Hey Brenda, maybe if you weren’t obviously severly lacking in intelligence (can you spell??) you would understand that Kenny is not putting down his fans! In fact he thanked his fans for voting! He is simply saying that the award shouldn’t be given based on who gave the best promotion in trying to earn votes!
me says:
This article explicitly states that Kenny was not insulting the idea of letting fans choose. On the contrary he was referring to the fact that people were being swayed by bribes. While looking at say Rascal Flatts (who I love) v. Kenny Chesney, if I thought them equals, a free download might win the vote. For others, the free music certainly would. The awards that are given should show a creation above and beyond or recognize hard work and a significant contribution to the industry, they shouldn’t simply be bribes. I like the idea of fans having some input as well (yes, I like democracy), but Kenny was trying to defend the integrity of the awards so that award stays true to its rightful definition. So many of the artist nominated, and some who weren’t were deserving in many different categories and should have recognition for what they have achieved and essentially that was all Kenny was saying. Don’t blemish and change words- then the integrity disapears and all honour associated with the award dies. (Ps if you burn CD’s (meaning you don’t purchase them), you have no right to criticize honesty- not paying for the music is stealing and if no one were to buy music we’d discontinue having such wonderful stuff to listen to because people would have boring jobs to have a living…)
lorendasue says:
I commend CMT for putting so much of Mr. Chesney’s remarks into their story. If that was the only report of his statements, then I think there wouldn’t be any controversy this morning. When I read the initial reports I agreed with him, but the headlines of those reports were sensationalized to make it seem that Mr. Chesney did not want fans voting. That was inaccurate.
Kenny Chesney is a Hall of Fame caliber artist, although he is not an artist who has released songs which really speak to me as a person. Just because he isn’t my favorite artist doesn’t mean that I can’t recognize that what he did as a country artist during the eligibility period that last night’s awards were for are not deserving of the Entertainer of the Year award. He put more people in seats than any other artist in country music. He had hit records. He sold albums (not an insignificant feat these days!). He reached non-country fans with his stadium performances which, I understand, are nothing short of a big party. He got my fan vote for Entertainer of the Year.
The ACM - Academy of Country Music - is an industry association primarily to provide support for those trying to earn a living in the country music industry. Is there a place for fan voting in industry awards? Maybe. Even though I participated in the voting, I feel that what the ACM did this year didn’t put fans in the right place. There’s always next year.
Angela H. says:
I didn’t last through the whole show last night,(fell asleep) I have been a big country music fan for years,and when I first heard what Kenny said last night I was hurt also. Now that I have read his whole statement I agree with him. Stick up for what you believe in Kenny….
jdoe says:
I am normally not a fan of Kenny’s music or shows (and yes I have seen him live twice), but I must say that I have gained a respect for him as an artist and person. He is completely correct. The entertainer of the year was reduced to a internet popularity contest. Yes my favorite artist was nominated in this catergory and I voted for him twice, from work and home, but in some ways I am glad he didn’t win, because I feel (and obviously others do as well) that it does not hold the same meaning this year as in the past. Thank you Kenny for saying what many of us said as soon as the announcement was made that EOTY would be fan voted. Hopefully the suits at the ACM’s are listeneing and make changes so the honor returns to this award.
Angie says:
I completely agree with Kenny. Perhaps if you were only limited to 1 vote per person it would be fair, but there are people who will sit on the computer for hours voting for a certain person, and this does not prove the entertainment value of the performer, just the strength or size of the fan base. Fans are important and kenny mentioned this, but turning this category into a popularity contest isn’t right.
I think he was right in saying that video of the year could be fan voted, but not something as prestigious as Entertainer of the Year. And Kenny won, so he’s not being a sore loser about it.
Kathy says:
I agree with Kenny 100 percent!!! The Entertainer of the Year award is supposed to be exactly what it says, who the best entertainer was for the calendar year. Not who has the most fans or who is the most popular or persuasive. What about the true fans who might not have access to a computer, but contributes to concert sales and buys cd’s off the store shelves (instead of downloading them online)?? The Entertainer of the Year should be determined by numbers and factual statistics. A great entertainer has high concert ticket sales, excellent numbers with cd sales, makes and/or breaks all time records like George Strait’s 56 number ones record, things like that. Everything should be taken into consideration, not just how many people made it a point to go online and vote for you. It shouldn’t be turned into a popularity act, let the facts speak for themselves. Take for instance George Strait. A percentage of his fan base will probably be a whole other age group than Kenny and Brad, some of which probably don’t own a computer or even know how to access the internet to vote. The Artists work very hard in achieving names for themselves and some sacrafice more than others. Their hard work and commitment shouldn’t be overlooked by or compared to internet votes. If they work hard and are really the best entertainer of the year than the hard work and efforts will show in the facts and speak for themselves.
Bev says:
I agree with Kenny. It’s his peers who knows what an artist really goes thru to get those # 1 songs. I feel the younger people are doing the voting more for popularity. So many older people who listen to country don’t understand the new tech.stuff so they didn’t vote “online”.
I’m glad Kenny spoke up, he hit “the nail on the head”.
Jessica says:
HEY! Rascal Flatts fans would have voted for them even without the free mp3!!! It’s not like it was a bribe, and WE WERE GIVEN THE CHOICE OF ANY OF THE NOMINEES BEFORE IT BRAUGHT US TO THE FREE MP3!!!!!!!!!!!
Jessica says:
STOP MAKING SUCH A BIG DEAL OUT OF IT!
Jessica says:
That’s bull!!!!!
KennyFan says:
Thanks CMT for publishing the whole story and thank you Kenny for being willing to take a stand knowing that you were risking outraged fans and ACM members. If the entertainer of the year award is about career acheivement and not fan popularity than it should be voted on by ACM members who are in a better position to know which artist has truly acheived the most in a given year.
Thomas says:
Most important vote, sales. It’s a true industry standard of what happens at the shows. Vote wisely and let your voice be heard with or without an internet. It makes a different.
Johnathan says:
I am a bit shocked to see Kenny Chesney say that on an awards show. I don’t have a MP3 player so why would I care if they gave free downloads or any of that other bull to sway my vote? If you truly like their music you would vote for the most talented singer. I think more fan based voting should happen, since we are the ones who spend millions each year buying their CD’s and going to their concerts, not some 3 piece suit wearing desk jockey. If he wants them to vote or his “peers” to vote maybe they’ll pay a couple hundred thousand a piece to watch him in concert since only a couple will show up!!
Brenda says:
I completely agree with Kenny. I was actually disappointed when I initially heard that Entertainer of the Year was going to be voted on by the fans. I think that diminishes the importance and prestige of the award. The CMT video awards are voted on by the fans and that’s great. If an entire show is voted on by the fans - great, not a show where one award is determined by fans and all others by peers. I agree that it becomes a popularity award instead of the highest honor the Academy of Country music bestows each year. As I said, nothing wrong with popularity awards…but…only if the entire show is based on that.
cheri says:
I voted for Rascal Flatts based on what they have done with their spare time. They have spent time at children’s hospitals around the country singing to kids and hanging out with them. Letting them know someone wants them to get better. If my child ever gets sick I hope the guys will come visit him GO Rascal Flatts
Aileena Q says:
It sounded as if Mr. Chesney was a little threatened. He should have just let it go. Especially since he’s supposed to be such a laid back guy. Flip Flop Chesney, have another beer and relax. Just remember Kenny, there is always someone who sings better, looks better, etc… Thats life, grow up.
TNgirl says:
I think Kenny’s has a pair of big ones to stand up to the suits like he did. I agree with him 100%!
And I respect him even more for it!!! You Go Kenny!!
Angie says:
First Thank You CMT for showing the whole statement…I totally agree with Kenny! There is already an award show for fans to vote…the CMT Awards! Why does everything have to be fan voted?? I’m proud of Kenny for speaking his mind!
Mora says:
The comments by Kenny Chesney surprised and disappointed me. I’m sure that each person who was nomiated was aware of the nomination prior to the event and that should have been when Mr. Chesney should have objected. I just felt that his remarks were in poor taste and should have been handled in a much different manner. For the record, I was one of the masses that voted and I enjoyed having the chance to express my opinion….even if my favorite singer did not win.
Kara says:
What’s really pathetic is that he sent out a myspace message to his 567457 “fans” that said:
Subject: 30 Seconds For Kenny, Please Help Out…
Body: Hey gang, WE NEED YOUR HELP! The ACM “Entertainer Of The Year” award is FAN VOTED this year, so it’s all up to you. Show the world that Chesney fans are the most hardcore on the planet. Please jump over to VOTEACM. COM and cast your vote for Kenny Chesney! (It only takes about 30 seconds)
Talk about a hypocrite! Yikes!
Christy says:
I agree wholeheartedly with what Kenny Chesney said. The way things were set up this year wasn’t right. The people in the industry know more about what the artists do and what they have to sacrifice to be worthy of this award. The industry made it a popularity contest not an achievement award. I for one am a HUGE Kenny Chesney fan and I am glad he won but I have to agree leave the voting for this award to the industry.
Nick says:
I find myself much more intelligent than most of these other posters and realize fans do get to vote every year, we vote in the album sales, concert sales, radio request and all that. We are what gets the artist even nominated. Then I think it should be voted on by the industry. Its not a contest on who can woo the most voters it should be who worked the hardest and had the best year.
UGullibleSheep says:
The Rascal Flatts MP3 give-away had NOTHING to do with the industry, that’s just an excuse to vilify one and glorify the other. The give-away was ONLY for the fan club member, no one else got anything. The ACMs shouldn’t be allowed to void based on a perceived notion that one free MP3 swayed voting. So basically, I don’t know why Kenny is complaining, because it’s it’s still voted on by the industry insiders(none of which actually go to the shows). By voiding one group’s votes, you’re proving that there is no real choices. There’s nothing integrity-driven about Country Music. All that Country Singers sing about is drinking, and exploiting national tragedies and the Military. If this jerk really wanted to make a point about “bribary” maybe he should have brought up what Garth used to do to get people to attend his concerts(IE: gave away a car for every millionth ticket sold, now that’s bribary).
The writer of this article knows about as much about facts and writing as you Country Fans know about the Country Music Industry, Bunk! Chet Flippo is an industry insider pretending to be a writer. The guy sucked when he wrote for Rolling Stone and he sucks now, which is why his career went down instead of up.
DANA M GRECO says:
I THINK THAT KENNY CHESNEY HAS EVERY RIGHT TO FEEL THE WAY HE DOES ABOUT THE AWARD FOR ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR,BUT AS A HUGE KENNY CHESNEY FAN..HE ALSO NEEDS TO REMEMBER IF IT WERE NOT FOR US TRUE FANS HE WOULD BE NOWHERE…AFTER ALL WE THE FANS ARE WHAT MAKES THEM WHAT THEY ARE…WE ARE THE ONES WHO BUY THE MUSIC AND PUT THE MONEY IN THEIR POCKETS..SO HE SHOULD REALLY THINK ABOUT HOW HE FEELS ABOUT WHOS VOTES COUNT.I DON’T THINK IT SHOULD MATTER…IT SHOULD MEEN MORE COMMING FROM THE FANS..JUST LIKE HE HAD SAID LAST NIGHT,IF IT WAS NOT FOR MY PARENTS.I WOULD NOT BE HERE…WELL THAT ALSO GOES FOR US TOO! I MEEN NO HARM TO ANYONES FEELINGS,I STILL LIVE KEENY AS I DID BEFORE.
Ryan says:
Good for you Kenny!
While i don’t totally agree, I definitly feel that fans shouldn’t have as much say IN THAT CATAGORIE.
For instance, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, many of George straits fans are much older than Rascal Flatt’s, and a lot less likely to go through the process of voting, where as the young fans of the Flatts will do so…
Allowing the fans to vote for something each and every artists works so hard for is just eliminates that true honor of the award. It really just turns it into a popularity contest.
Fans should be allowed to vote on other awards, such as Video, song, etc., but just not on such a prestigous award like entertainer.
Think of it this way, if you were up for a promotion in your office, and you worked you butt off more than anyone else, but you lost to some woman you boss is interested in, do you think that would be fair to give the promotion to her?
Kenny, thank you for speaking you mind.
Michelle says:
I disagree with what Kenny said…I never knew that the Entertainer of the Year Award was suppose to go to someone who “…is supposed to represent heart and passion and an amazing amount of sacrifice, commitment and focus…” That never entered my mind when I always thought Entertainer of the Year. I always thought the person who could entertain an audience the best. If I had a choice to go to George Straight (whom I love) or Garth Brooks…I would go to Garth. I have never been one to attend a concert where all someone does is stand and play the guitar. Who is the one who entertains me? So, in that mindset…yes, the fans should not be choosing…because we would not really know how much someone gives. Maybe the category should be changed to heart and passion award?
mike cox says:
I AGREE WITH KENNY BECAUSE IT,S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE STOOD UP FOR WHAT THEY BELEAVE IN. KENNY WORK SO HARD TO GET WERE HE,S AT AND HE DID IT THE HARD WAY WHEN HE WAS A LONG HAIR NOTHING. ALL YOU PEOPLE THAT DON,T LIKE HIM GET USE TO IT BECAUSE HE,S YOUR NEXT GARTH BROOKS AND YOUR DECADE OF THE CENTURY. KENNY I SEEN YOU WHEN YOU WERE NOTHING AND NOW YOU HAVE EVERYBODYS ATTENTION AND ALL THAT MEANS IS YOUR ON TOP OF YOUR GAME AND WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS ONE OF THE TOP ARTISTS. THANKS FOR YOU BEING HONEST. THANKS MIKE
Kristina says:
I agree 100% with Kenny, and I’m not even that big of a fan.Actually, I voted for George. The whole “let the fans vote” thing was just a gimmick. I wouldn’t be happy with it either.
mike cox says:
KRISTINA I AGREE WITH YOU BECAUSE IT WAS A GIMMICK AND WHEN SOMEONE LIKE KENNY HAS WORK HE,S WAY TO THE TOP SINCE 1991. YES I,M A BIG GEORGE STRAIT FAN TOO AND LOOK HOW LONG IT TOOK THEM TO NOTICE HIM.
Connie says:
I agree with Kenny’s comments and I believe he has a right to voice his opinion. People who are complaining READ THE ARTICLE!!!!! Kenny did thank his fans for voting! I truly believe he would have one with the fans voting or with the industry voting. He is a talented entertainer who has worked very hard to get to where he is and has always been grateful to his fans for sticking with him.
Yo says:
All-in-all, while I don’t disagree with the point Kenny made, it would have been better to have kept his mouth shut. Media will do everything they can to take a comment of that type out of context and that wasn’t really smart thinking on Chesney’s part. As far as his statement is concerned, he’s not really in the wrong here, he just needed to do what most people should do in that situation….smile, nod his head, and just go on with his day.
Jennifer says:
I am a Kenny fan, I am a George fan, a Flatts fan, an Urban fan. I love Country music and have watch these shows for years. The People’s Choice awards and the CMT awards were created for the fans to vote… NOT the Oscars, the Grammys, the Emmys, the Golden Globes, the CMAs or the ACMs. The ACM EOTY award is based on actual ticket sales, album sales, songs on the charts - true real numbers for entertaining the people, the fans.
Don’t we the fans “vote” for the EOTY award when we purchase tickets, albums and song requests??? If Kenny sales out all his concerts and the Flatts sell out all of their concerts but Kenny had more concerts and more tickets sold, didn’t he entertain more fans for the year??? If any of the artists had won the award for entertaining less, would it have been right? NO, it would have been a popularity vote, and a disrespect to all of the artists in all of country music, not just those nominated in this category. I believe this is what he is saying. He doesn’t want the awards to lose their meaning to those who win it or to the history of the ACM.
I voted because I knew Kenny deserved this award and wanted to make sure he got it. It’s still not right. I’m glad someone spoke up about this process. I’ve got more respect for Kenny than I did when I watched him in Columbia, SC after he was injured. He is the definition of of the Entertainer of the Year.
Christina says:
He is definitely entitled to his opinions. And quite frankly, he is right.
While many don’t care, (brad paisely) or solicit others votes with free stuff (Rascal Flatts) it should be done fairly. Period.
I love country music. But quite frankly, I was shocked when I went on another country artist myspace and they were pleading with us to vote for them. Not only did I feel like I wasted 2 minutes trying to figure out what they were asking for, but it felt like a pushy salesperson.
Tacky. I just want to hear good music. Keep it coming and I hope they don’t beg anymore. I mean really, you can like Rascal Flatts, but what if you don’t like them as much as others and you can’t even get a free mp3? Sounds like bribery.
I’m glad Kenny Chesney won. And I’m glad he’s speaking up. God Bless him!
mjayhill says:
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Kenny Chesney may not have wanted online voters to decide one of country music’s top awards, but he still asked his fans to click for him.
Chesney criticized the process Sunday night after his supporters propelled him to a fourth straight entertainer of the year win at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
“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,” Chesney told reporters backstage after thanking fans for voting for him as he accepted the award onstage.
But that didn’t mean Chesney hadn’t played along. Chesney’s MySpace page still carried a large banner Monday urging fans to “bring it home for KC,” with links to the academy’s online page and messages from fans lower on the page.
The page also included a May 1 posting urging fans to vote, with a video of Chesney saying that awards are important for history’s sake - so people can look back to see what musicians had accomplished.
Chesney made clear Sunday night that his criticism was an industry complaint about the process for one award - not a dig at his fans or at the awards show overall. It was the first time in the show’s 43 years that the top prize was decided by a fan vote.
Traditionally, the awards are decided by ACM members, mostly industry insiders; that didn’t change for the other awards. The industry’s other major awards show, the County Music Association Awards, also decides its winners by a vote of members who are industry professionals.
A spokeswoman for the Academy of Country Music said Monday that senior officials for the academy were not immediately available to comment because they were traveling.
Bob Romeo, executive director of the academy, has called the change to fan voting a “historical accomplishment” in the award show’s program, and said it fosters more interaction with viewers and participants.
Chesney saw it another way.
“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 said.
With his fourth win as entertainer of the year, Chesney ties Garth Brooks and trails only Alabama, which won five in a row. Chesney also was this year’s leading nominee with 11, and ended up winning twice. His other win was for vocal event of the year.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Vicki says:
I absolutely applaud Kenny’s remarks. It’s like voting for the one who can win over the most “internet fans’ and it’s not chosen on true value and worth. I was pressured as well to vote for another artist up for the award, but couldn’t get into it. I knew this artist was a terrific entertainer, but when you read what Kenny does and the big arena shows he does…you really can’t vote until you can make a valid choice and that is to attend all of the entertainers’ concert and make a true decision. So, yes, thank you Kenny for bringing the ACM’s to task and for making them remember what makes the ACM’s so great an award.
AF~Wife says:
All I can say is You Go Kenny! More people should be like you and stand up for what they believe in and not be such chicken sh*&s to say how they feel! I’m a fan that believes you are the EOTY every year~your hard work, dedication and sacrfice shows when you are on that stage! You are great in concert and you have a private personal life, not many people can say that. Thanks for the great music and shows~~keep them coming!
Megan says:
I totally agree with Kenny. There are fan-voted awards shows out there. Why go and change the ACMs? For years, the ACMs have been given out to honor those individuals who have made an impact in the music industry. People in the industry have chosen them because of what they have done in the previous year. Now, it’s becoming a popularity contest…Going as far as to offer incentives to get the votes says that you are desperate to win. If you win, it’s because you deserve it not because you offered something that people can’t get otherwise.
Gina says:
YOU GO KENNY!!!! I am a true fan of KC and no offense was taken from the comments. I agree with him 100%. EOTY award should not be decided on by fans only. I have seen Kenny in concert for 5 years running. I return each year because he IS an entertainer!!! I will attend my first stadium show in Atlanta this year…cannot wait. I know he is deserving of this award, not taking anything away from the other nominees. Keep up the good work and I will see you in Atlanta.
miss brooks says:
WHAT A A HOLE JERK HE IS !!! HE LOOKS LIKE THE GEICO COMMERIAL HE EVEN WALKS LIKE THE GEICO,,,LITTLE RUT!!!
Billie says:
I personally could’nt agree with Kenny more. I’m glad one of the superstars had the guts to stand up and say something. Even though i’m sure he knew the media would throw it all out of context,(except for CMT where you actually got the whole story,thank you for that). Kenny is the best and i’m glad he won,but hopefully it was’nt by popular vote. I hope the reason he won is because he really deserved it. So, anyway, thank you Kenny for voicing your oppinion. You’re the best and keep up the awesome work.
Andrew says:
I think some of you who are upset with KC are missing the point. One fan even called him a “hypocrite”. Yes he did send out a message to myspace fans, but in no way was he a hypocrite. A “hypocrite” would’ve also tried to bribe his fans for votes (free CD’s, special pre-sale concert tix, etc.). Now i’m not saying that Rascal Flatts did anything wrong. From a business standpoint, people always try to get ahead, so it might’ve been a good move. However, I also think the ACM’s did the right thing and that Kenny’s comments were warranted. He wants fans to vote for the best entertainer — the best performer, singer, songwriter, etc. — not votes swayed by anything else. I am a fan of Kenny, but I also enjoy the music of Rascal Flatts as well. Personally I voted for Brad Paisley. So, being neutral in this little debate, I must commend KC for his words. It’s important to remember that these artists work very hard, and having those that employ them (the fans) name them as #1 means more than when their peers or some voters slected by some random committee choose them. It’s also important to remember that we’re not voting for a high school class president or prom king/queen (or some other popularity contest) — this is real, adult life, and adult livelihood. We are voting for something we believe in. Those that didn’t win will appreciate just being nominated, and perhaps leave motivated to work extra hard to try to win the next year. So, go Kenny. Stand by your words. And most of all, continue to go out there and do what you do best — sing and perform from your heart, kicking ass and taking names along the way! And Brad, good luck to you next year!
Andrew says:
One more thing to remember is that most of these myspace pages are not run by the artist themselves, but by someone hired to keep it updated, looking great, etc. So we don’t know whether Kenny had that link put on his site or not.
Gladys says:
I am a fan and I do believe that we should have a chance to vote for the awards. However I do agree with Kenny, the Entertainer of the Year award should not be left to fans to vote for.
There are other awards like the New Vocalists. Those artists would benefit more from fan voted. I think the Academy should look into that.
Jennifer says:
I have been into Kenny deeply since 2002 and have seen the shows grow from sold out ampitheaters to stadiums and he still takes time to play college town bars for students who don’t have a lot of money and gives all of it to charity, he goes on even when very ill or injured. I unfortunately won’t be able to see him this year as I moved from GA to MN (really disappointed I don’t get to see him at Turner field) but I got to hear the Columbia, SC show thanks to 1 of my online friends who went & called me. I didn’t even know he was hurt from the way he kept singing. I stand with Kenny on the issue of the ACMs making the biggest award of the night an online popularity contest, I’ve felt that way since the announcement that it would be fan voted. After the fiasco of the CMT Awards of him not winning a thing, I was pretty darn scared and did all I could on and offline to get votes for him. So thank you Kenny for telling them how I and a lot of others felt about their bad choice. I think they should allow votes in the new male, female & group/duo categories and some of the others, but NOT Entertainer.
karla says:
i am a huge fan of kenny chesney and i dont have an opinion about that because everyone has a right to their opinions and if he feels that way he is entitled to.he is the best artist in the business and definately deserved that award.i was so pleased to see him get it.i am also glad that he is recuperating well from his injury.he looke d really great the other night.very handsome .you go kenny i love you.
Ginny says:
I am a big Kenny fan love him and think he was right, but I think now he will never win another AMC award. They will probably do to him like the CMA’s did to Toby Keith when he spoke up. So I guess it was good he won etoty his fourth year because he probably won’t get it next year even if he deserves it.
Melinda says:
I totally agree with the message Kenny was trying to get across. When you are offering fans prizes in return for a vote that is a little unfair to the entertainers. Not sure why so many people are going insane like Brenda Butler over a very intelligent statement. I wasn’t a huge Kenny fan before but I must say I have a lot more respect for him now. Way to go Kenny!!
Billie says:
I just got off of Kenny’s website, kenny chesney.com. For anybody that wants to condemn what he said, or for anybody that thinks any less of him, go to the website. he has left a letter to all his fans. If you have any doubt in how he feels about his fans you won’t after reading the letter. Even if you agreed with Kenny like I did, you should read the letter anyway. Love you Kenny, keep up the good work, can’t wait to see you in Atlanta!!!!
katie says:
I AGREE WITH KENNY! WAY TO STAND UP FOR WHAT’S RIGHT! CONGRADULATIONS KENNY!NOBODY DESERVES IT MORE THAN YOU! I LOVE YOU KENNY!!!!!!!
michelle says:
I hope they don’t “Dixie Chick” him for these comments.
abc says:
Yall have no idea how political you suond its almost rediculous
Lucy Wichman says:
If he doesn’t like it that the fans voted,maybe he should give it to the second runner up.i didn’t vote for him anyway.He only thinks about himself and how wonderful he is.
Pamela says:
Kenny Chesney is NOT being given a fair platform in which to state and/or defend his comments on the Entainer of the Year Award. When the entertainment shows only give a 15 second blurb of what he has said, its poor reporting! I ONLY HOPE COUNTRY MUSIC FANS ARE SMARTER THAN THAT! He has NOT in the least offened me, my family or our friends that enjoy and buy his music!!! I am in agreement that there should be no “freebie” for your vote in selecting Entertainer of the Year. Fans(?) who are now
“badmouthing” Kenny should read his comments on CMT.com, then make their decision regarding his being offenseive to the fans. He makes good sense!!!
Jen says:
I didn’t vote for him but I applaud his taking a stand on this issue. I felt it was wrong from the very beginning and knew that Kenny would win because of the sheer amount of fans he has. He plays to stadium crowds that come to see him as well as the three or four other artists that usually open for himn. The award should be given by those in the industry who have actually seen each nominee perform their show. Fans usually only see their favorite. I myself have seen 2 of the nominees and would not be able to judge who is the best. This should not be in the hands of fans to decide.
Matt says:
Not to be rude…(total disclaimer) but I’m always amazed at how many people spell things incorrectly and then post them on the internet for all the world to see.
angela sharp says:
I AM A BIG COUNTRY MUSIC FAN AND IT WAS REALLY HARD FOR ME TO PICK A WINNER . YES I DID RECIEVE A NOTE TELLING ME I WOULD GET A DOWNLOAD IF I PICKED RASCALL FLATTS NOW THAT TO ME IS LIKE THE OLDEN DAYS WHEN POLITITON’S WOULD GIVE YOU A BOTTLE OF LICQUER THAT IS JUST NOT FAIR . YOU SHOULD VOTE FROM YOUR HEART NOT A FREE GIVE AWAY !!! AS FOR MY VOTE IT WENT TO KEITH URBAN IT WAS CLOSE BETWEEN HIM AND KENNY .I HAD TO GO WITH MY HEART .SORRY
Kim says:
I’m proud of Kenny for standing up and saying what he believes. It seems that entertainer of the year has always been “fan voted” in that it was based on ticket sales/concert revenues. That seems more legitimate than people possibly casting multiple votes online. My hope is that the Academy doesn’t blacklist Kenny for speaking out. My friends and I went to the show and it was AWESOME to be there in person.
Charleen says:
I’m a big fan of Kenny’s and was shocked and hurt by what he said. I didn’t understand it until I read this one. It doesn’t surprise me about Rascal Flatts trying to buy votes. I’m not a fan of theirs. Now that I’ve read this I agree with Kenny. I did vote for Kenny.
Ugh says:
I disagree with what he said. I’ve never been a fan of him as an artist or a person, and I feel insulted by his comments. By the way, a vast majority of you desperately need spelling and grammar lessons.
Elvi Carr says:
I entirely agree with Kenny Chesney’s remarks, and I am a very loyal fan of his, as well as a loyal fan of a few other country performers. Internet voting is not a reflection of the entertainer’s hard work, nor do the votes truly represent the entertainer’s true popularity among fans. First, the entertainer’s website can have a lot to do with how fans vote, and this has nothing to do with the performers true skill as an artist or entertainer. Second, let’s face it, the highest population of internet users for entertainment/ recreational purposes are the youngest of the fan base. Young adults in their late teens and twenties will be the population that most likey accesses the internet to vote. However, the fan base in their thirties, forties, fifties, etc., will be less likely to get involved in this internet voting, but it is very likely that they represent a much larger fan base in mere numbers. They are also the fan base that will likely spend even more money in CD purchases and in purchasing the better concert seats, as their income is more likely to support higher spending. Internet voting is a mistake and should be eliminated.
Terri says:
I agree with Kenny. I too also know that Rascal Flatts is okay but I do think there are better ones out there. Offering a free download does sound like a bribe. Don’t go changing things that doesn’t need changing.
Linda says:
I WAS LIKE A LOT OF THE OTHER FANS KIND OF UPSET AT FIRST BY KENNY’S REMARKS BUT AFTER I READ THE ENTIRE STATEMENT NOT JUST THE ATTENTION GETTING HEADLINES I AGREED WITH HIM. THESE PERFORMERS PUT A LOT OF HARD WORK IN TO THEIR TOURS, PERFORMANCES, CD’S, ETC AND VIDEOS AND SHOULD BE JUDGED ON THAT. A LOT OF THE STUFF WE THE FANS REALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS INVOLVED IN. THESE PEOPLE ARE AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES MORE DAYS THAN THEY ARE WITH THEM. I KNOW THIS IS PART OF THEIR PROFESSION. BUT AN AWARD AS IMPORTANT AS THIS ONE SHOULD NOT BE TIED IN TO A SITUATION WHERE THE VOTERS WERE GIVEN AWARDS/GIFTS, ETC FOR VOTING FOR ONE OF THE PEOPLE VIAING FOR THE AWARD. THIS SHOULD BE VOTED BY THE PERFORMERS THEMSELVES. AS A FAN LET US VOTE ON VIDEO OF THE YEAR, MALE AND FEMALE OF THE YEAR, ETC. KENNY KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOUR FANS ARE BEHIND YOU.
Beverly Delk says:
I agree with Kenny whole heartedly. The association should pick this award. They should see which artist works hard for this award and not let it be a contest in order to win it. I saw each one of these artist this year and by far, every year, Kenny works and lives his life trying to please his fans and putting on a fantastic show. But it should not be a contest to win this award. Way to go Kenny!!
Carrie says:
I agree completely with Kenny. It should not be fan voted if the rest of the entire show is not fan voted why should EOTY be. there are other award shows that are fan voted and that is great and I think we should should leave the awards shows alone and let them continue voting the way they always have. As far as Kenny being a Hypocrite that’s not so. Just because he advertised to his fans to vote for him doesn’t mean he can’t play the game that the ACM’s put him in . That catagory became fan voted so he played the game and asked for the votes. Doesn’t mean he shouldn’t play the game, he should. I am a complete country music fan and I have personally seen all of the artists that were nominated and yes George is my number one favorite along with Kenny but Kenny is by far the best performer even above Keith Urban who is awesome. But as far as Rascal Flatts they suck! I have seen them twice one last year at the CMA fest and they were the worst of all 4 days of entertainers and I took the chance again to see them in a concert at the beginning of this year hoping they would improve. Boy was I wrong!! They still sounded horrible and we left early and their opening act Kelly Pickler didn’t even show up for the show!!! Yes I can say it was a waist of money!!!!! They need to fire their sound guy, they sound great on CD’s but terrible live. And as far as them giving away MP3’s they also had Taylor Swift sending out emails and postings on her myspace to vote for them which I know why, she is incredibly popular and figured her crowd would do as they were told and vote for Rascal Flatts. If they want to when the award they need to earn it just like all the EOTY have done prior to them. Work for it!!! You go Kenny and I love you. You are awesome and a true down to earth guy. Keep up the hard work.
red says:
i think brenda butler needs to
step away from the bottle
maybe she should re-write when she is sober
Danielle says:
I am a huge Kenny Chesney fan. I have all of his CD’s and I have been to many of his shows. I think that he stood up for what he believes in and I think that he is a respectable person and artist for doing so.
EllaC says:
I support Kenny Chesney for expressing his opinion. Everyone is entitled to their opinions Brenda. But reread the article. Sometimes you have to read something twice to comprehend what it is actually stating. I do agree with what Kenny stated. It is nice to know there is a STAR out there who is not afraid of ratings to express his beliefs. Thank you for the music Kenny and always stay true to yourself and your fans.
Phil Kerabowski says:
Rene does not think much of him she voted for George Strait like 6 times
Dee says:
Kenny did not say what you elaborated on - about the voting being a sweepstakes. What he said came out to say the fans should simply be fans and let the experts pick the winner. NO WAY. WE BUY THE CDs AND GO TO THE CONCERTS AND WE SHOULD CERTAINLY HAVE A SAY IN WHO GETS THE AWARD.
DOWN WITH KENNY — YOUR DONE.
shelby says:
r you single ryan an r you white i am relly sexy what are you up to
shelby says:
ryan are you young are old i am 22 year old is but are you single