Kenny Chesney Criticizes Fan Voting

5/19/2008 Lisa Ann Schleipfer Country Music artist Kenny Chesney won the Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year award last night, but the singer didn't approve of how he won the award. For the first time history, the ACM Entertainer award was open to online fan voting, when in past years the top prize was decided by members of the Academy. Chesney criticized the change in voting procedure, saying that although he wanted Country Music fans to be a part of the awards, he didn't think fans should hold the power over the Entertainer of the Year award. Chesney called the procedure, "...a sweepstakes to see who can push people's buttons the hardest on the Internet. I don't think that's right, really."  The 2008 Entertainer of the Year said fans should be allowed to vote in other categories. "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." Chesney emphasized how much he appreciated the support from fans, and that he will continue to thank fans for voting for him.