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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > May > 20 > Entry
Is Kenny Chesney Wrong?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kenny Chesney. Photo: Glen Rose.
Kenny Chesney won his fourth entertainer of the year award from the Academy of Country Music on Sunday night. After accepting, Chesney made some controversial remarks to the press backstage.
This year, the ACM allowed fans to vote in the entertainer of the year contest for the first time. Chesney criticized it as “a sweepstakes to see who can push people’s buttons the hardest on the Internet.” In previous years, the award has been voted on by music industry peers (a process similar to the Grammy Awards).
He brings up an interesting point. Should these awards be judged by the fans? After all, they’re the ones buying the CDs and the concert tickets. On the other hand, fans are casting their votes by doing just that, buying what the musicians are serving up and sending those hits up the charts. We already have fan-driven awards such as the American Music Awards and the CMT Music Awards, so is it wrong for Chesney to wish for awards shows that limit the voting to industry professionals?
Comments
By alan
May 20, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
He is right, it should be judged purely on sales.
By Theresa Ruble
May 20, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
What’s the point of receiving an award if not from the professional judges? The fans are casting votes in ticket sales and buying the music. No, Kenny Chesney is not wrong!
By Lisa
May 20, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
No, Kenny is NOT wrong. At least ONE award SHOULD be from industry professionals. The fans purchases speak for themselves regarding our opinions. These musicians need to be recognized by professionals also. South Carolina loves you Kenny!! (Hope the foot is better—great show!)
By black boots
May 20, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
I support his comments 100%. The ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year should be selected by a jury of his or her peers. Leave the fan voted-debacles to CMT and the People’s Choice awards. By the way, Kenny’s duet with George Strait was the highlight of the awards show. It made the other 175 minutes of mediocrity ALMOST worthwhile.