2019 Billboard Music Awards
Kelly Clarkson hosted the 2019 Billboard Music Awards live from the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas to celebrate the chart-topping achievements of this year’s outstanding artists.
Cardi B led the nominations with 21 in 18 categories, followed by Drake and Post Malone with 17 nominations each, Travis Scott with 12 nominations, and XXXTentacion with 10.
The broadcast opened with Taylor Swift’s huge stage performance of her new hit Me with Brendon Urie flying onto the stage to join her.
Kelly greeted the viewers from the audience and sat by Terry Crews. The group Florida Georgia Line tried to take her seat. She broke out singing their song as she walked to the stage. She then sang Boo’d Up to Ella Mai, Girl Like You from Maroon 5 and The Middle before rolling into Card B’s song I like It, and a list of other nominated songs.
The first category of the evening was Top R&B Artist, and the 2019 Billboard Music Award went to Ella Mai for Boo’d Up. She thanked everyone including her fans and ended her speech with, “Thank you so much. I’m so nervous. I’m going. Bye, bye.”
Halsey gave a spirited performance of her hit Without Me.
The next category was Top Rock Artist, and the 2019 Billboard Music Award went to Imagine Dragons.
Ciara was up next and sang Thinkn Bout You while performing her dramatic dance number.
2019 Billboard 200 Album Award went to Drake for Scorpion. Drake thanked everyone who gave him their time and energy. He thanked Billboard and he dropped a Game of Thrones spoiler at the end of his acceptance speech.
Kelly introduced Tori Kelly who performed Speechless with Dan + Shay.
The next category was Top New Artist, and the 2019 Billboard Music Award went to Juice World. “It’s crazy all the stuff that can happen in a year.”
The Jonas Brothers reunited live from the Billboard stage. Nick started with Jealous. Joe followed with Cake By The Ocean. Kevin joined in and all three performed Sucker, and Nick kissed his new wife Priyanka Chopra in the audience.
Top Duo or Group was the next category, and the 2019 Billboard Music Award went to BTS. The audience went wild. “Still can’t believe that we’re here with so many great artists. We are still the same boys from six years ago.”
Khalid performed his hits Talk and Better.
2019 Billboard Music Awards Top Male Artist honors went to Drake. “This one means a lot to me because it’s an artist award.” “I just want to encourage other artists to let them know how you feel about them while they’re all still here.” “Show somebody some love.”
Ariana Grande performed Seven Rings and the audience gladly sang along.
Madonna took the stage next with Maluma and performed Medellin. Madonna incorporated holograms into her performance.
Lauren Daigle sang You Say.
The next category was Top Rap Song, and the 2019 Billboard Music Award went to Card B, I Like It. Cardi started her acceptance speech with, “Hold up people need to hear this.” “I really want to thank my fans for this award.” “Wait a minute let me finish my speech God Damn it.” She promoted her fashion line that is on the way and her new music.
The 2019 Billboard Icon Award went to Mariah Carey. Producer, songwriter and performer, Mariah started with Always Be My Baby, Emotions and We Belong Together as her children cheered her from the audience. She ended her performance with Hero then said, “Thank you so much.” Before Jennifer Hudson handed her the award. She called to her children and said it’s their birthday and asked everyone to wish them happy birthday.
Mariah said, “Icon, I really don’t think of myself in that way. I started making music out of necessity to survive. If I’ve learned anything in life it’s all things are possible truly with God.” “I am still that lost interracial child who believed I could do anything.” “I celebrate you tonight.”
The 2019 Billboard Music Award Top Country Song went to Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line for Meant to Be. “This is bucket list for us y’all.”
• Panic! At the Disco performed Hey Look Ma, I Made It.
• Kelly performed Broken & Beautiful from the movie UglyDolls with a group of cute kids.
• 2019 Billboard Music Award for Top Rock Song went to Panic! At the Disco. Yes, High Hopes is a great song.
The audience erupted when BTS & Halsey took the stage to perform Boy With Luv.
Billboards Top 100 Song Award was next and Maroon5 and Cardi B took the honors for Girl Like You. “Maroon 5 ain’t here, but I am.” “Thank you Maroon 5 for this amazing record.” “What’s good. What’s really good. I’m out of here. Bye!”
Billboards Top Artist Award went to Drake! Love it! Drake did very well. “I want to thank my Mom for her relentless effort in my life. To win any award here is incredible. I want to thank my Mom for all the time you drove me to piano and I didn’t want go.” “And now we’re on one hell of a ride. So, thank you.”
Finally, it was time for Paula Abdul to perform. She danced through Straight Up, Way that You Love Me, and she jumped from a high platform into the arms of her dancers. Paula also did her signature dance to Opposites Attract with her dancing cartoon cat.
Paula looked great as she danced hard through Cold Hearted and ended with Forever Your Girl.
Kelly closed the 2019 Billboard Music Awards and announced that Drake made history by winning the most Billboard Awards of anyone ever!!!
Congratulations to all the winners. See you next year!
Tanya Hart
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