Kenny Chesney, Hillary Scott Named Early 2017 Billboard Music Awards Winners

As the night's festivities approach, Billboard has already presented some of the awards in a pre-telecast announcement, with several country stars taking home early awards.

Kenny Chesney, Hillary Scott Named Early 2017 Billboard Music Awards Winners
Kenny Chesney; Photo by Allister Ann

Tonight’s the night! It’s the night that artists from multiple genres celebrate the year’s greatest hits at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. As the night’s festivities approach, Billboard has already presented some of the awards in a pre-telecast announcement, with several country stars taking home early awards.

Among those taking him an early prize is Kenny Chesney, who took home two of the three awards he was nominated for. Chesney, who is well known for his epic summer tours, rightfully took home the honor of Top Country Tour, while also earning Top Country Collaboration with his song with Pink, “Setting The World On Fire.”

Also crowned a winner was Hillary Scott, who earned top Christian Song for her single “Thy Will.” “Hey everybody! My family and I are so honored to accept this award. Thank you, Billboard. To all the fans, our deepest gratitude,” Scott said in a short video posted to Twitter.

Chris Stapleton also earned an early honor, taking the crown for Best Country Album for his wildly-successful project Traveller. The crooner is still a nominee tonight, awaiting the results for Top Country Artist, where he’s up against Florida Georgia LineBlake SheltonKeith Urban and Jason Aldean.

While several country winners have already been revealed, there is still plenty for country fans to look forward to during the broadcast. While there are still several more awards to be handed out, fans can also look for Florida Georgia Line’s collaboration with John Legend and Sam Hunt’s performance of his three-week No.1 “Body Like A Back Road.”

The Billboard Music Awards nominees are based on measurements made by Billboard and its data partners, which include Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The numbers are based on fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement between the time period of March 18, 2016 through March 16, 2017.

The 2017 Billboard Music Awards air on TONIGHT (May 21) at 8PM on ABC. For a full list of country music nominees, click HERE.

2017 Billboard Music Awards Country Winners (So Far…):

Top Country Tour – Kenny Chesney

Top Country Collaboration – Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”

Top Country Album – Traveller, Chris Stapleton

Top Christian Song – “Thy Will,” Hillary Scott & The Scott Family