Travis Scott and Morgan Wallen made controversial performances on the Billboard Music Awards stage on Sunday, whereas Mary J. Blige was honored for her musical excellence.
Wallen carried out in his first main awards present after he was caught on digicam utilizing a racial slur. After not receiving a verbal introduction, the nation star sat alongside his four-piece band and carried out “Don’t Assume Jesus” then his chart-topping “Wasted on You,” a single from his widespread mission “Harmful: The Double Album.”
Shortly after his efficiency, rapper Pusha T offered Wallen with the highest nation artist award.
“I need to say, `Thank God.’ And thank my followers. I received the most effective rattling followers,” stated Wallen, who acknowledged his mom for accompanying him as his date to indicate. He additionally thanked for Billboard for inviting him. He didn’t point out final yr’s incident, which as soon as discovered the disgraced singer rebuked by the music trade.
“Thanks to my little boy,” he continued. “You encourage me each single day.”
Shortly after Wallen’s set, Scott made his first televised efficiency since a large crowd surge killed 10 folks and injured hundreds at his Astroworld Competition in Houston in November final yr. The rapper carried out his single “Mafia” in an icy, polar-themed prerecorded set that was closely censored.
Mary J. Blige obtained the Icon Award for being an influential music maker. The singer, often known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, was offered the award by Janet Jackson and escorted on stage by Sean “Diddy” Combs – who emceed the present, which was broadcasted stay from the MGM Grand Area in Las Vegas.
Blige stated she was in a “dream proper now” after she obtained the consideration. She spoke in regards to the journey of turning into an icon not being a simple feat throughout her stellar profession.
“I’ve been on this journey for a very long time, one which didn’t at all times look the best way you see me now,” she stated. “One that’s crammed with a variety of heartache and ache, however God helped me to channel these experiences and feelings in my music which is the place I began in music.”
Earlier, Drake was named prime artist, male artist, rap artist, rap male artist and rap album for “Licensed Lover Boy.” The rapper prolonged his report as essentially the most embellished winner within the historical past of the awards present with 34 wins.
Olivia Rodrigo and Kanye West, often known as Ye, took dwelling essentially the most awards with six throughout a non-televised ceremony. Rodrigo was awarded finest new artist.
Ye made his mark within the faith-based classes – once more: The rapper gained prime Christian artist for the primary time, however he claimed prime gospel artist and gospel track for a 3rd yr in a row. He additionally obtained prime gospel album for the second time.
The Child LAROI grew to become a first-time winner, taking dwelling 5 wins for his track “Keep” with Justin Bieber – whose Billboard Music Awards win depend rose to 26.
Doja Cat got here away with 4 awards. She gained prime R&B artist and R&B feminine artist for the second consecutive yr, together with prime R&B album and feminine artist.
Taylor Swift – who has the second most-ever award present wins with 29 – gained 4 awards. Dangerous Bunny obtained two wins whereas R&B duo Silk Sonic, comprised of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, gained their first-ever award for prime R&B track for “Depart the Door Open.”
Becky G, who launched the album “Esquemas” on Friday, carried out her hit track “MAMIII,” which topped the Billboard’s Scorching Latin Songs chart. Ed Sheeran delivered a distant efficiency from Northern Eire, the place he’s on tour.
Different acts who took the stage embody Miranda Lambert, Meghan Thee Stallion and Grammy Awards darlings Silk Sonic.
Nominees are decided by Billboard chart rankings and winners are chosen based mostly on a number of standards, together with their album and digital track gross sales, airplay and streaming success and touring.
