Ah, Morgan Wallen. The country singer who was introduced to the world as “That guy who got booted from SNL for kissing random strangers during a global health pandemic,” and became “That guy who got booted from numerous radio stations for casually saying the n-word.” You can add another thing to the list of places Morgan Wallen has found himself booted from, and that’s the Billboard Music Awards. The ceremony is scheduled to be held on May 23rd, and if you were hoping to tune in and see Gen-Z’s Billy Ray Cyrus, you’ll be sorely disappointed, because he absolutely will not be there.
After Morgan apologized for partying during a pandemic, he got his gig back on SNL, and after that video leaked of him jokingly calling his friend the n-word, he apologized and people continued to stream his music again. Morgan decided he didn’t want to tour this summer so that he could continue to focus on his personal self-growth. I guess he’s still in the chrysalis stage of turning into a butterfly that doesn’t say slurs or something. Despite not touring and trying to lay as low as possible, his album Dangerous: The Double Album is currently sitting at the number two spot on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. And, he’s been nominated for six 2021 Billboard Music Awards, which include: Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist, Top Country Album, Top Song Sales Artist, and twice for Top Country Song. Even though he’s trying to lay low, I’m sure he would have loved the opportunity to slip on his best bolo tie and blow out his mullet for the occasion. But he won’t get the chance. via Entertainment Tonight:
Morgan Wallen will not be part of the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. Despite the 26-year-old singer’s six nominations in five categories, Dick Clark Productions said on Thursday that Wallen will not perform, present or accept any awards at the May 23 ceremony.
Dick Clark Productions released the following statement to explain why Morgan was not welcome at the show, and essentially, they recognize that he’s a hugely successful artist. But, he’s also a guy who got caught saying the n-word, and they’re very much not cool with that.
“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.
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.”
So, Morgan will be staying at home on May 23rd. And when he inevitably wins at least one of the Billboard Music Awards that he’s up for, whoever is presenting will pull a Joaquin Phoenix and awkwardly announce Morgan isn’t here, before transitioning to literally anything else. They probably won’t even let him pre-tape a thank-you speech from home, a la Joan Crawford. Because let’s face it, the only thing riskier than having Morgan there live in person, is what might fall out of his mouth when he’s being recorded on video.
Pic: Wenn.com
