Country music was strongly represented at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night (May 23) with several artists taking home trophies across a variety of nomination categories.
Carrie Underwood was named as an early winner ahead of the live awards ceremony, earning the top nod for Top Christian Album. Florida Georgia Line also snagged a win in the Top Country Duo/Group hours ahead of the broadcast.
Gabby Barrett and her husband, Cade Foehner, made the occasion into a date night and dressed to the nines in honor of Barrett’s big evening. The “I Hope” singer was announced as the winner of the Top Country Female Artist award, and accepted the accolade with jazzed excitement and emotional gratitude.
Barrett was then surprised when she was spontaneously told that she had also been selected as the Top Country Song winner. She and Charlie Puth were voted as the Top Collaboration by Billboard fans, making her a triple winner for the night.
Morgan Wallen also received recognition as the winner in three categories: Top Country Album, Top Country Artist and Top Country Male Artist. As explained by a statement released by dick clark productions, Wallen was a finalist for the show due to radio charting. They went on to explain that he would not be included in the production of the show “as his recent conduct does not align with our core values.
While she was snubbed from any nominations at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, Kelsea Ballerini made a cameo during the closing of the show to introduce her soon-to-be tourmates, the Jonas Brothers. She asked if they could give fans a sneak peek at what she and the fans can expect on the road this summer before delivering a medley of their hits.
Fans can view all of the winners of the 2021 Billboard Music Awards here.