Kenny Chesney Receives Groundbreaker Award at 2014 American Country Countdown Awards

Kenny Chesney received the Groundbreaker Award at the 2014 American Country Countdown Awards. The country music hitmaker was presented with the honor by movie star Vince Vaughn.

"There are a lot of things that you can break in this world. You can break hearts, you can break the law, you can break a leg, and you can even break balls," Vaughn said from stage. "But in music, maybe the biggest and the best thing you can ever break is ground. Few artists have single-handedly elevated country music to new heights. They are the groundbreakers. They are the artists who will never be forgotten.

"In stadiums and arenas all across America, Kenny's been a game changer in live music," he continued. "Tour after tour, album after album, great song after great song, Kenny Chesney continues to thrill country fans and break ground as only he can. See for yourself."

A video montage, narrated by Vaughn, was shown, highlighting Chesney's many accomplishments, including being named one of the Top 10 live acts of the last 25 years. Chesney then performed his latest single, 'Til It's Gone,' from his new 'The Big Revival' album, before giving a touching and heartfelt acceptance speech.

"There's a lot of people I want to thank tonight, but God gave me an incredible gift, and that gift was, He put a song in my heart," Chesney said. "And that song has taken me to places that I never dreamed it would, and that gift has allowed me to connect with millions of people over the years in ways that I never thought was possible, really. I really believe that music and song is one of the most powerful things we have in our lives. Music allows us to find commonality, and it validates all of our lives ... That's what I love about music.

"So many of you fans in the crowd and at home tonight that are watching on TV, you have literally allowed me, through my music and my songs, to hold your lives in my hands for a while. That's something I take very seriously," he concluded. "I just want to thank you guys for caring about the music."

Chesney was given the honor for his "creative innovation, musical accomplishments and role in expanding the genre.” He has also received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song, for 'The Big Revival''s album's debut single, 'American Kids.'

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