Nominated for four 2014 American Country Countdown Awards, Jason Aldean waited until the final award of the evening before finally winning one. The wait was worth it, though, as the superstar captured the biggest title of the night, Artist of the Year.

Aldean’s win came against a field of strong contenders, including Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum. Following his victory, Aldean performed a rocking version of ‘Just Gettin’ Started,’ the latest single from his platinum-certified ‘Old Boots, New Dirt’ album. With loud electric guitars and bright lights flashing on stage, Aldean's performance was one of the most intense of the night.

After singing, Aldean had a chance to address the crowd, and he thanked his fans, country radio, his fiancee and his daughters. He also took a moment to acknowledge the folks behind the American Country Countdown, who were responsible for creating the new awards show.

“When I was growing up in Macon, Ga., the American Country Countdown was my one avenue to Nashville to keep up with what was going on,” Aldean noted. “I listened to it every Sunday, and never in a million years did I think that I would be making a career in music ... Thank y’all for allowing me to have a career doing something I truly love.”

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