The Billboard Music Awards took place on Sunday, May 15, with several country artists walking away with trophies, including Walker Hayes. The father of six won Top Country Song, for his viral “Fancy Like‘ hit. Although nominated for multiple awards, including a recent Grammy, Hayes is not only celebrating winning the Billboard Music Award, but also his first-ever major industry trophy.
“Thank you for honoring ‘Fancy Like’ as the Top Country Song,” Hayes said in a video posted on social media. “Holy cow, we never win anything, so you gave us our first win. Victory! I just want to say thanks for honoring us. It’s a huge deal. It’s been a great year. ”
Dan + Shay received the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Duo/Group.
“First I want to thank God,” Shay Mooney said when accepting the honor. “This is a crazy moment for us I want to thank our wives, our families back home.”
“Thank you all so much for this,” added Dan Smyers. “Billboard Music Awards, this is truly such an honor. My wife and I just celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. Abby, I know you’re watching back home, and I love you so much. Thank you to our team who’s here tonight…. The fans, you guys, we love you all.”
Morgan Wallen was also honored with a Billboard Music Award, this one for Top Country Male Artist.
“I’d like to say thank God. I’d like to thank my fans,” Wallen said from stage when accepting the honor. “I’ve got the best damn fans. Thank you to my mama for being my date tonight. I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you to the Billboards for inviting me here. Thank you to my team. Thank you to my family and friends. Thank you to my little boy for inspiring me every single day. God bless you all.”
Eric Church took home the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Tour, with his Gather Again Tour, and Taylor Swift won Top Country Artist and Top Country Female Artist.
Other big winners of the night included Olivia Rodrigo, who won seven trophies, including Top Female Artist and Top New Artist, and Drake, who won five Billboard Music Awards, including Top Male Artist and the night’s highest honor, Top Artist. See a complete list of winners here.