48,000 Pack Nashville's LP Stadium for the ACM Entertainer's Homecoming Show

Nashville, TN. (SONY BMG MUSIC Entertainment) - You can say what you want about not being a prophet in your hometown. But for Kenny Chesney, who rocked nearly 48,000 people at Nashville's LP Stadium Saturday night, it looked like even the people who live where the reigning and back-to-back Academy of Country Music of the Year lives not only showed up in record numbers for a music event, they came early, partied in the parking lot and stayed until the last note was played.

'The trouble with Nashville,' says the man who calls Music City his home, 'is that everybody knows somebody who's in the business... they're so dialed in, they don't get excited... and there's so much music, they don't know where to start.'

Pausing for a moment, the man who not only brought dear friend and reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban onstage for his first post-matrimonial appearance and had BNA VP of Promotion Tom Baldrica make a special guest appearance on tuba smiled a big smile, then proclaimed, 'Although you couldn't really tell that if you were in the parking lot, listening to the tail-gaters at 2:30 in the afternoon - or looked up at the third tier of the stadium during our set.'

Taking the stage - or rather a satellite stage out on the far end of the playing field with his now 6 week and counting No 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart 'Summertime,' and then being hustled 50 yards upfield surrounded by 20 security guards to hold back the surging, screaming fans, Chesney brought everything he had to a venue that only George Strait's Stadium tour - featuring multiple headlining acts - and N Sync at their prime dared attempt back in 2000. And not only did the only act braving football stadiums this year attempt, he came, saw, rocked and roared.

As The Tennessean raved in their front page coverage, 'Chesney, pals show why he's biggest game in town: More than 47,000 pack LP Field for supersized show.' Then going on to write of the man who was outdrawn by only the Rolling Stones and U2 last year's show, 'He's country's biggest touring draw now, and he's the only contemporary country star who could command a stadium crowd of this size and have the majority of fans standing throughout his two-hour show... Headliner's strong enough to hold 47,699 fanatics in the palm of his hand.'

'Our fans are a pretty crazy, rockin', spirited bunch,' Chesney admits, 'and I gotta say, they were wild in Seattle two weeks ago, but the folks in Nashville, they represented loud - and had a blast doing it. When you're up there playing for 50,000, that's what you wanna do: have the best time you've ever had in your life. I'm lucky: my fans come ready to have a good time.'

He shared John Mellencamp's 'Hurt So Good' with CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Gretchen Wilson, brought songwriter Mac McAnally out for an emotional 'Back Where I Come From,' enlisted duet partner Uncle Kracker for 'When The Sun Goes Down' and a thumping take on Kid Rock's 'Cowboy,' then brought everybody back out for the always free-for-alling 'She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy.' But the set pretty much belonged to the fans who sang along with every line throughout night.

Source: Top40-charts.com

Kenny wins Entertainer of the Year... Again!

Kenny Chesney won the coveted entertainer of the year award at the Academy of Country Music Awards for the second consecutive year on Tuesday! While Keith Urban and Sara Evans also got top honors.

Kenny Chesney's Speech:

"It's really hard to be entertainer of the year and not have the amount of people on the road that mean as much to me as my band and my crew, the catering people and the truck drivers. Everybody. I want to thank them. ... I want to thank my family back home that I don't get to see a lot of. And my dad, I want to say hey to him. His wife passed away three weeks ago, and I know he's watching tonight. ... And more importantly, to all the very passionate people that come and see us play every night, it's the most amazing time. Thank you." -- Kenny Chesney

More on last night's award show:

Brad Paisley, the event's leading nominee with six nominations, ended up with three awards, including album of the year. Other multiple winners at the Las Vegas ceremony included Carrie Underwood and Brooks & Dunn member Ronnie Dunn with two prizes each.

Urban was named top male vocalist for the second consecutive year, while Evans took the corresponding female prize. Chart-topping act Rascal Flatts was named top vocal group for the fourth consecutive year.

Besides taking the album honor for "Time Well Wasted," Paisley won the vocal event and video prizes for "When I get Where I'm Going."

More Names Added to Kenny's Bahama Cruise

Big Kenny of Big & Rich, Chris Cagle, Julie Roberts and Cledus T. Judd have been added to the list of performers during Kenny Chesney's upcoming cruise to the Bahamas. Big Kenny will join Chesney and Dierks Bentley for a private concert on an undisclosed island. Cagle, Roberts and Judd will appear on the two ships that depart Miami on Feb. 27 and return March 3. The cruise ships will also feature performances by Little Big Town, Blue County, Catherine Britt and Hot Apple Pie. Chesney's fan club is promoting the cruise.

Kenny Chesney's Tour Poster

Chesney Announces Tour Dates!

This is awesome news! After taking several months off, Kenny Chesney has announced a series of dates for The Road and the Radio tour. His openers on the tour include Dierks Bentley and Sugarland. He kicks it off March 23-24 in Dayton, Ohio, and visits 19 cities in the eastern U.S. before wrapping May 27 in Columbus, Ohio.

"Even when I've just been several hundred thousand miles and am wore out exhausted, the place where I'm the most alive is on that stage," Chesney said. "We get out there, me and the guys, and we're ready to rock. I gotta tell you, the time off has really given me an edge to charge my batteries, think about why we do it and get as hungry for it as when we were first getting started."

His 2005 tour grossed $61.8 million, more than any other country artist. Changes in his 2006 production include a bigger stage. However, the standing-room portion of the stage configuration will remain in place.

"We've learned a lot about certain things that work, just from being out there and doing it, especially doing it with 18 semis," he says. "And the more you do it, the more you can figure out to do, the more things that you can imagine. So I don't wanna give anything away, except to say if you had a good time last year, you came, you partied, it rocked -- this year is gonna be even better."

Rolling Stone magazine has taken notice of his success as well, estimating his 2005 income at $109 million -- if you only consider album sales and concert tickets. Chesney comes in at No. 3, behind the Rolling Stones and U2, on the publication's Ultimate Top 10 list published Friday (Jan. 13). Others on the list included Green Day, the Eagles, Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, 50 Cent, Dave Matthews Band and Elton John.

The Road and the Radio Tour dates include:

March 23-24: Dayton, Ohio
March 25: Lexington, Ky.
March 30: Lubbock, Texas
March 31: Austin, Texas
April 1: Oklahoma City
April 6: Omaha, Neb.
April 7-8: St. Paul, Minn.
April 20: Pensacola, Fla.
April 21: Lafayette, La.
April 22: Houston
April 23: Bossier City, La.
April 27: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
April 28: Jacksonville, Fla.
April 29: Columbia, S.C.
May 4: Moline, Ill.
May 5: Cedar Falls, Iowa
May 6: Columbia, Mo.
May 26: Philadelphia
May 27: Columbus, Ohio

Source: CMT.com

Chesney & Zellweger Seen Together Again

Source: Y! News

Kenny Chesney and his ex-wife Renee Zellweger were seen together recently in a sandwich shop near Nashville, Tenn.

Chesney's publicist, Holly Gleason, however, says not to read too much into the sighting and that they have no plans to remarry.

"They're friends," Gleason said. "The media made so much more out of everything that the public has no clarity about any of it. And that's the tragedy. They're two nice people who don't choose to live in public."

Zellweger, 36, and Chesney, 37, wed in a small ceremony on the Caribbean island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands last May. It was the first marriage for both of them, and it lasted about four months. The union was annulled by the Los Angeles Superior Court in December.

Kenny Chesney Caribbean Cruise Getaway Info

Here's what Kenny's Bahama cruise is all about... Sounds like fun!

Source: cruise.kennychesney.com

The fun begins the minute we leave port, kicking off the Kenny Chesney Caribbean Cruise Getaway with a Welcome Party on the pool deck with music and a complimentary open bar. From there, you’ll probably want to join us for a memorable dining experience before you begin to enjoy performances by some of our many featured Artists. From headliners in the Showroom to intimate Artist performances poolside, there will be music everywhere. After midnight, parties heat up in each venue culminating in a non-stop dance party. Of course, there are other choices as well, from Casino action to an Adult Comedy Showcase or maybe an impromptu performance in the Schooner Piano Bar by one of our star Artists.

During the afternoons at sea, you can enjoy “twilight” performances from our featured Artists, as well as “behind the music” Q & A Sessions. Not to be missed are the sports tournaments, from basketball to volleyball. You can put yourself to the test on Royal Caribbean’s Rock Climbing Wall, perched high above the sea, or you may want to spend time on deck chillin’ by one of the pools or spas, listening to a nice acoustic performance.

During our last day at sea you’ll have time to relax and wind down from the excitement of the week and reflect on the memories you’ll take home. But there’s more! Get up close and personal with featured Artists in our special Q & A Sessions. Or, you can participate in a high-stakes Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament for a huge $$ jackpot. You won’t want to miss the Line Dance Competition, “Ship Olympics”, and a huge array of special activities that have been carefully designed to provide something for everyone. Finally, savor you last evening with our Gala Farewell Dinner and Complimentary Cocktail Party followed by another night of music, dancing and specially designed entertainment.

The only thing missing from a perfect musical vacation experience is you. It would be our sincere honor to have you aboard! Space is limited… Reserve your cabin today!

MON., FEB. 27th

Welcome aboard deck party with complimentary bar and canapés
Twilight concerts, Pool Deck
Headline concerts, Main Showroom
Artist Showcase Jam, Night Club
All Night Music Fest, Mid Ship Club
Schooner Piano Bar
Late Night Dance Party
Lounges, Clubs and Bars open until LATE!

TUES., FEB. 28th

Sovereign and Majesty sail at night to Coco Cay
Morning and early afternoon activities on Coco Cay
Watersports: Parasailing, snorkeling, banana boat sailing and more
Beach Barbeque Lunch Party
Afternoon concerts on board ship
Headline concert, Main Showroom
Artist Showcase Jam, Night Club
Late Night Music Fest, Mid Ship Club
Schooner Piano Bar
Late Night Dance Party
Lounges, Clubs and Bars open until LATE!

WED., MAR. 1st

Sovereign and Majesty arrive in Nassau
Welcome to Nassau Brunch
Disembark for shopping and exploring
Tenders ferry passengers to the secret island
Kenny Chesney evening performance
Post-show secret island party
Late night tenders ferry passengers back to the ships for more music and casino action
Lounges, Clubs and Bars open until LATE!

THURS., MAR. 2nd

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea!
Artist “Q & A” Session
Texas Hold ‘em Tournament for huge $$ jackpot
Line Dance Competition
“Ship Olympics” Competition
Afternoon Concert, Poolside
Farewell Cocktail Party with Complimentary Bar and canapés
Gala Farewell Dinner
Late Night Dance Party
Lounges, Clubs and Bars open until LATE!

FRI., MAR 3rd

Arrive back in your original port
Disembarkation begins early!

Concert Breakdown for 2005 - Chesney in Top 3!

Here's the list:

1. The Rolling Stones. $168 million. Given the eye- and wallet-popping top face-value ticket price of $450 for the Stones' "A Bigger Bang" tour, it's not a big surprise that Mick, Keith and the boys shattered their own 12-year-old record (of $121.2 million in 1994) for highest-grossing concert tour of all time. That made up 96% of the band's Ultimate Top 10 total this year, in keeping with the past in which album sales have been virtually irrelevant to the Stones' total. Despite enthusiastic reviews, the group's "A Bigger Bang" CD contributed only about $6 million to the total. One surprise the group did manage: Its average ticket price of $133.98 wasn't tops last year, or even second or third place. More on that later.

2. U2. $149.7 million. Despite finishing behind the Stones, the Irish band did a none-too-shabby job, also substantially topping the Stones' previous record on the concert trail with $138.9 million in ticket sales. Bono et al. added about double what the Stones did at record stores with continued strong sales of their 2004 album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," adding nearly $11 million to its total. U2 sold more tickets in North America than any other act last year — 1.4 million, with the Dave Matthews Band in second place at 1.21 million tickets. The band has reported sales worldwide of 3.4 million tickets. U2's average ticket price of $96.92 in the U.S. looks almost economical in the inflated concert market of recent years.

3. Kenny Chesney. $109.3 million. The country singer-songwriter had a tough year on the marital front with the annulment of his marriage to actress Renée Zellweger after only four months. But with his popular concerts and two albums that topped the pop charts in 2005, and a third that sold strongly, he vaulted over such classic rockers as Paul McCartney and the Eagles, even though both toured heavily last year. Chesney dropped one spot this year, after finishing at No. 2 on the Ultimate Top 10 behind Usher. Average ticket price: $47.09.

4. Green Day. $84.7 million. The three Bay Area punk rockers who make up this outfit are anything but American idiots. The trio's 2004 album just keeps selling and selling, moving 3.8 million more copies to add just about $50 million to its on-the-road take of $34.8 million. Average ticket price: $38.07.

5. The Eagles. $84.4 million. The poster boys for '70s country rock did as well at the record store as the Rolling Stones last year without ever stepping foot in a recording studio. "The Very Best of the Eagles" sold 460,000 copies to put almost $6 million worth of icing on the veteran band's concert cake, er, take of $78.4 million. Average ticket price: $107.99.

6. Paul McCartney. $83.2 million. McCartney's "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" album, like the Stones, generated some of the most enthusiastic reviews he's received in years but didn't quite sell enough copies to be certified gold: 450,000 copies. That resulted in revenue of $5.85 million. Still, the 63-year-old ex-Beatle found gold at the concert box office, racking up $77.3 million in ticket sales. His last appearance on the Ultimate Top 10 list was on his 2002 tour, when he finished second behind Eminem. Average ticket price: $135.46, topping the Stones but still not the highest average.

7. Céline Dion. $81.3 million. Want to talk perfect job? Here's a singer whose world tour consists of one stop — the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, within a cab ride of her home — yet she was able to draw enough fans and charge enough for tickets that she finished third (behind the Stones and U2) on Pollstar's ranking of the year's top concert attractions. All of her Ultimate Top 10 income was from ticket sales from her 155 shows, more than any other single act on Pollstar's list. Average ticket price: $136.04.

8. 50 Cent. $78.6 million. The New York rapper's album "The Massacre" was barely edged out at the end of the year by Carey's "Mimi" for the album sales crown in 2005, landing just shy of 5 million copies. That gave him $63.1 million in album revenue. His brief 15-date solo tour added just $4.7 million, not enough to make Pollstar's Top 100 tour grosses last year. But with the $10.8 million for which he gets credit as co-headliner with Eminem on last year's Anger Management Tour, it was enough to push him well ahead of Carey, who didn't tour during the year and had to rest on album sales alone. Average ticket price: $64.03 for Anger Management; $31.81 on his own.

9. Dave Matthews Band. $74.3 million. The relentlessly touring South African singer-songwriter's band doesn't grab the headlines but does add impressively to its cash flow each year. The group sold $57 million in tickets last year, piling on $17.3 million from sales of its "Stand Up" album. Along with Dion, the DMB is the only act to finish in the Ultimate Top 10 five times over the last nine years. Average ticket price: $47.09.

10. Elton John. $65.8 million. Like Dion, this British rocker didn't release an album last year, which meant all his income came from concert tickets, mostly from pricey shows in Las Vegas. John actually outdrew Dion on the road, with 642,000 tickets to her 597,000, but kept his average ticket price a bit lower than he has had in recent years, at $102.46.