This was Wallen’s first awards efficiency since his 2021 racial slur controversy, and Scott’s first televised efficiency because the Astroworld competition tragedy.
LAS VEGAS — 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 digital camera 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 standard challenge “Harmful: The Double Album.”
Shortly after his efficiency, rapper Pusha T introduced Wallen with the highest nation artist award.
“I wish to say, ‘Thank God.’ And thank my followers. I acquired one of the best rattling followers,” mentioned 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 business.
“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 an enormous crowd surge killed 10 individuals and injured 1000’s at his Astroworld Pageant 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 acquired the Icon Award for being an influential music maker. The singer, often known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, was introduced the award by Janet Jackson and escorted on stage by Sean “Diddy” Combs – who emceed the present, which was broadcasted reside from the MGM Grand Enviornment in Las Vegas.
Blige mentioned she was in a “dream proper now” after she acquired the dignity. She spoke in regards to the journey of changing 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 all the time look the way in which you see me now,” she mentioned. “One that’s stuffed with numerous 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 file as probably 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 residence probably the most awards with six throughout a non-televised ceremony. Rodrigo was awarded greatest new artist.
Ye made his mark within the faith-based classes – once more: The rapper received 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 acquired prime gospel album for the second time.
The Child LAROI grew to become a first-time winner, taking residence 5 wins for his track “Keep” with Justin Bieber – whose Billboard Music Awards win rely rose to 26.
Doja Cat got here away with 4 awards. She received 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 – received 4 awards. Unhealthy Bunny acquired two wins whereas R&B duo Silk Sonic, comprised of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, received 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 embrace Miranda Lambert, Meghan Thee Stallion and Grammy Awards darlings Silk Sonic.
Nominees are decided by Billboard chart rankings and winners are chosen primarily based on a number of standards, together with their album and digital track gross sales, airplay and streaming success and touring.
