Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Blake Shelton took the award for Top Country Artist at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards (NBC Photo)

The Voice coach thanked fans for making the award possible. It marked his first win in the category after being nominated three previous years.

This year’s other nominees include former American Idol judge Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Chris Stapleton and Florida Georgia Line.

Florida Georgia Line won Top Country Song of 2017 for “H.O.L.Y.” Keith’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” had been nominated.

And Stapleton’s “Traveller” earned Top Country Album honors. Also nominated were Keith’s “Ripcord” and Blake’s “If I’m Honest.”

Missing among all the nominations: former singing show contestants, unless you want to count one-time American Idol auditioner Lauren Daigle, who won for Top Christian Artist.

But the show did feature Camila Cabello, formerly of the X-Factor girl group Fifth Harmony, debuting two new songs, “Questions” and “Crying in the Club.”

Drake led all performers — and set a BMA records — with 13 wins in a show that also featured performances by Celine Dion and Cher.