Kenney Chesney was named entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday and while he thanked the fans that voted him, he criticized the organizers for resorting to a web-based “sweepstakes.”

The 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards was celebrated with a bang Sunday, May 18, in Las Vegas. Kenney Chesney was honored with the entertainer of the year award and his reaction was an interestingly layered one.

Up on stage to receive his trophy, the 40-year-old country singer thanked fans “for being there” for him and said it was a “really extra special” award.

Backstage, Chesney complained that the ceremony’s organizers transformed the award from “what [it] really represents” into a “sweepstakes to see who can push people’s buttons the hardest on the Internet.”

“It’s complete disrespect of the artist, what they’ve lowered it to. It really diminishes the integrity of the music that we’re making. And I can say that because I won,” the disgruntled star concluded, as quoted by Reuters.

This is Chesney’s fourth consecutive win as entertainer of the year, tying him with country star Garth Brooks. It is also the first time the awards have been given according to fan vote.

American Idol fourth season winner Carrie Underwood continued her road to country music glory, named top female vocalist for the second year in a row. The tender-aged Taylor Swift received her first ACM award, top new female vocalist, and dedicated it to her mother.

Brad Paisley was named the year’s top male vocalist, while Miranda Lambert was honored with the album of the year trophy for “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” Sugarland’s “Stay” was declared song of the year and Lady Antebellum was crowned best new duo/vocal group.

Visibly present at the awards ceremony was expectant mom Nicole Kidman, who glowed and displayed a nice round belly. Dad-to-be Keith Urban performed “Tu Compania.”