Chesney faces reality of number one

Chesney co-wrote his song with longtime writing partner and friend Brett James. Their previous collaborations include the chart-topping Out Last Night, Keg In The Closet and Spirit of A Storm, from Chesney's introspective "Lucky Old Sun" album.

The idea for Reality was born in a dentist's chair. Chesney said he "was lying in the chair, I had the mask on, you know, where they give you that funny gas, so they can work on your mouth without you feeling it, and I remember thinking, 'Wow, I haven't been this relaxed in a long time.' That was my escape from reality, and that's what the song is about. And when people come to our shows, they're not thinking about what's going on in their job or school, they're having fun, escaping reality and I'm glad to be a part of that. I say it every night on stage we all got problems but for the next couple of hours, let's push them aside and relax. That's how I feel about it."

Chesney leads the Academy of Country Music Awards pack with nine nominations including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year ("Hemingway's Whiskey" as both artist and producer), and Male Vocalist of the Year. He also earned double nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year as both artist and producer for You And Tequila with Grace Potter. Chesney is also nominated for Song of the Year for You And Tequila with Grace Potter.

On June 2, the Brothers of the Sun Tour starring, Chesney and Tim McGraw, kicks off in Tampa, Fla. The tour marks the first time in 10 years the longtime friends have hit the road together and features Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and Jake Owen. The tour will play stadiums across the country and are the only cities and venues Chesney will play this year.