For the fourth consecutive year, Kenny Chesney has won “Entertainer of the Year” at Sunday’s 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards—beating out another country superstar Keith Urban.
This was the first year that fans selected the award, which received a mixed reaction from Chesney.
“This one is really extra special because long before I had a hit record, the fans always came to the shows. I want to thank you guys for voting and for being there for me,” said the singer.
Other winners include Carrie Underwood for “Top Female Vocalist,” Brooks& Dunn for “Top Vocal Duo” while Garth Brooks accepted the first Crystal Milestone Award—honoring sales topping 128 million—making him the biggest-selling solo artist of all time.
Jay Leno, Dick Clark and Billy Joel all appeared via satellite to congratulate Brooks.
The 2007 Canadian Country Music awards will be hosted by Regina.
The music association announced on Thursday that the prairie city would host the ceremony next year, which will be part of Country Music Week from Sept. 7-10.
“To be able to host the 2007 Canadian Country Music awards is fantastic, but what’s really important is the Country Music Week in our community,” said Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco. “That is going to have such a large impact on the business community and frankly in our community as a whole.”
The province is providing $150,000 to help cover costs while Regina is contributing $60,000.
“The decision to award the 2007 event to Regina was the result of a very compelling submission by the Regina host committee and its provincewide team of supporters,” said Heather Ostertag, head of the Canadian Country Music Association.
This year’s Canadian Country Music awards and week will take place in Saint John, N.B. from Sept. 8-11.
