Rodney Atkins Benefits From Image Makeover

Rodney Atkins performs during the rehearsals for the 42nd Academy of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 13, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

May 16, 2008 — Rodney Atkins launched four No. 1 hits off his latest album, and he’s got a fifth single that he hopes will match their status. But not that long ago, Rodney had a very difficult time getting established.

His 2003 debut album brought him one hit, but it created some image problems. It was titled Honesty, but even the cover art wasn’t really an honest depiction of who he is.

"I had leather pants and this and that," he told the Associated Press. "That was the image of the guy on the Honesty album."

By the time Rodney released his second album, If You’re Going Through Hell, he’d made some specific changes. He had a new management team and shot the cover in an old ballcap, some well-worn jeans and a flannel shirt. It was more representative of Rodney and ended up connecting better with the audience he sought, which he describes as "intelligent rednecks."

Now Rodney’s six nominations are the second-highest total among all the artists heading into the 43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, a fact he finds a bit shocking.

"I couldn’t believe it when my name was read all those times," he said. "I had to ask my wife what I was nominated for. It blew me away."

Rodney has visited the ACM podium in the past: Last year, he won the Academy’s Top New Male Vocalist trophy. Whether he wins this year or not, you’ll definitely be able to see him on the show. He’s slated to perform from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Reba McEntire hosts the awards, which begin at 8 p.m. ET Sunday on CBS.