Billboard has officially named their 2021 Billboard Music Awards finalists, and Morgan Wallen’s name is on the list… MANY times.
But, there’s a catch… he won’t be allowed to attend or participate in the ceremony.
Granted, I’m not sure who really even cares about the BBMAs, but nonetheless he was disqualified from the Academy of Country Music Awards earlier this month, and it looks like that trend is going to continue for the foreseeable future.
However, there is a reason why they decided to include him as a finalist. According to a statement from the BBMAs, their finalists are determined by chart performance, not a board, committee, or voting system.
“Unique among awards shows, Billboard Music Awards (BBMA) finalists are determined by performance on the Billboard charts, and are not chosen by a voting committee or membership organization.
BBMA finalists and winners are based on key fan interactions with music (including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, social engagement), tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including MRC Data.
With our content reaching millions of viewers, dcp and MRC have the privilege and responsibility to effect change by creating a more inclusive dialogue in our productions and across the industry.”
So in another words, Morgan had to be a finalist.
After all, Dangerous: The Double Album spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart and 10 weeks atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.
However, they went on to explain why he wouldn’t be included in the show.
“Morgan Wallen is a finalist this year based on charting. As his recent conduct does not align with our core values, we will not be including him on the show in any capacity (performing, presenting, accepting).
It is heartening and encouraging to hear that Morgan is taking steps in his anti-racist journey and starting to do some meaningful work. We plan to evaluate his progress and will consider his participation in future shows.”
Morgan is a finalist twice in the Top Country Song category, for “Chasin’ You” as well as “More Than My Hometown.”
#BBMAs Top Country Song Finalists –
✖︎ @Jason_Aldean “Got What I Got”
✖︎ @GabbyBarrett_ “I Hope”
✖︎ @leebrice “One of Them Girls”
✖︎ Morgan Wallen “Chasin’ You”
✖︎ Morgan Wallen “More Than My Hometown” pic.twitter.com/IaE28wdxce— Billboard Music Awards (@BBMAs) April 29, 2021
He is also a finalist for Top Male Country Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Album, and the all-genre Top Song Sales Artist against the likes of Justin Bieber, BTS, Megan Thee Stallion, and The Weeknd.
His 6 nominations are second only to Gabby Barrett in the country music world who had a whopping NINE.
#BBMAs Top Song Sales Artist Finalists –
✖︎ @justinbieber
✖︎ @BTS_twt
✖︎ @theestallion
✖︎ Morgan Wallen
✖︎ @theweeknd pic.twitter.com/C0QFjeFdrz— Billboard Music Awards (@BBMAs) April 29, 2021
The 2021 Billboard Music Awards are set to air Sunday, May 23rd.
I imagine he might be out fishing instead…