Kenny Chesney was the big winner at the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Sunday night. The 40-year-old singer took home the entertainer of the year award at the Las Vegas Ceremony.
"This one is really extra special because long before I had a hit record, the fans always came to the shows. And I want to thank you guys for voting and for being there for me," Chesney said in his acceptance speech. It was the first year fans voted for the winner of the category, although Chesney had also won the award the prior three years.
But later Chesney criticized the Academy's new method of fan-based voting for the entertainer of the year award. He said the selection was turned "into a sweepstakes to see who can push people's buttons the hardest on the Internet."
Other winners inclued Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. Garth Brooks, who has won 18 ACMs throughout his career, was awarded the first ever Crystal Milestone Award.
A full list of winners is below.
Entertainer of the Year: Kenny Chesney
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 New Female Vocalist: Taylor Swift
Top New Duo or Vocal Group: Lady Antebellum
Album of the Year: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Miranda Lambert
Single 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
