Blake Shelton Was the Most-Played Artist on Country Radio in 2017
You couldn't escape Blake Shelton in 2017, especially if you were listening to country radio.
Shelton came in at No. 1 on both Top 5 overall artists and male artists lists, compiled in a year-end Mediabase report. The singer had multiple hits throughout the year, including "I'll Name the Dogs" and "Guy With a Girl" and "Every Time I Hear That Song." The latter two are featured on his 2016 album If I'm Honest.
Thomas Rhett followed Shelton on the Top Overall Artists list, seeing big wins in 2017 with his chart-topping album Life Changes that not only generated No. 1 tracks in "Craving You" and "Unforgettable," but also debuted at the top of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and Billboard 200, marking his first No. 1 debut on the all-genre chart. Brett Young, Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line round out the Top 5 artists on the list. Shelton, Rhett, Young and Aldean all appear on the Top Male Artists collective as well, with Jon Pardi coming in at No. 5.
Maren Morris was the top female artist on country radio, Mediabase states, gaining considerable air time with hits like "I Could Use a Love Song" and "80s Mercedes." She's followed by Kelsea Ballerini, Lauren Alaina, Carrie Underwood and newcomer Carly Pearce, who made a significant impact on country radio with her ballad-driven No. 1 "Every Little Thing."
Country radio's struggle with playing female artists is in the spotlight, with only 15.7 percent of females earning charted songs in 2017, as opposed to the 66.2 percent of males who appear on the charts.
Shelton recently scored his sixth victory as a coach on The Voice when his contestant Chloe Kohanski won Season 13.
Wow! Blake Shelton Has Really Changed Since He Started His Career!
Farewell Angelina Mash Up the Top Songs of 2017