Postponed since April due to Covid-19, the 2020 Billboard Music Awards finally went live from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, and Kelly Clarkson hosted for the third year in a row.

The Billboard Music Awards honors today’s top musicians and performers, and the broadcast opened with Kelly singing Higher Love. She looked great, her voice was amazing, and she was joined by Sheila E on the drums and the A cappella group Pentatonix.

The first presenter was Nicole Richie. She came to the stage to present the nominees for the Top Billboard 200 Album. The 2020 Billboard Award went to Billie Eilish for When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Billie came to the stage in a mask to accept her award. It was a little difficult to hear, but she was grateful for the win.

Nicole then introduced Sia who performed Courage to Change.

There was no audience, of course, due to Covid-19, so Kelly was given a fake applause machine to use when she told a joke. She played a few applause options before introducing Kane Brown who performed Be Like That with Swea Lee & Khalid.

The Top Hot 100 Song was the next category. The 2020 Billboard Award went to Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus for Old Town Road. Lil Nas X was present to accept his award.

Kelly introduced Alicia Keys. She took the stage with a dramatic, long hairstyle and performed Love Looks Better.

The Top Female Artist category was up next. The 2020 Billboard Award went to Billie Eilish. Billie returned in her mask and ended her acceptance speech with, “Please vote. Please wear a mask. Be safe.”

Jane Lynch came on stage next to introduce the nominees for Top Country Artist. The Billboard Music Award went to Luke Combs. Instead of giving an acceptance speech, Luke performed Better Together. He finished with his acceptance speech and thanked his fans, his wife, his team, and the crew working on the show. “Thank you, guys, so much.”

With16 Billboard nominations this year, Post Malone performed Circles from a secret location. The set was huge and looked almost industrial with rafters and lots of steps. Post Malone was joined by Tyla Yaweh and performed Tommy Lee.

Shelia E introduced the nominees for Top Song Sales Artist. The 2020 Billboard Award went to Lizzo for Good as Hell. Lizzo was there to accept the award. She thanked Billboard and her fans and she wore a dress with the word ‘vote’ all over it. “Don’t change yourself to feel worthy.” She spoke of suppression and said it means, “They are afraid of your power.” Lizzo ended with, “Use your voice and refuse to be suppressed.”

Brandy came out on stage next with Ty Dolla $ign. They sang their new hit, No Tomorrow. Brandy also performed Almost Doesn’t Count.

John Legend followed on the piano with a performance of, Never Break. He whispered, “This is for Chrissy” as he began the song. It was a very moving performance.

In Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms spoke about Covid-19 and systemic racism. “For the first time, we are honoring the Billboard Change Maker.” The inaugural winner of the Billboard Change Maker Award was rapper, songwriter, actor, and activist Killer Mike. Atlanta’s own thanked his wife standing with him and said he would not be who he is today without her. He thanked is ancestors, NAACP, Atlanta, his teachers and all the people who encouraged him and pushed him to be the person he is today. He also received a one-million-dollar donation.

The category of Top Latin Artist was next. The 2020 Billboard Music Award went to Bad Bunny. Immediately after the win, Bad Bunny performed Yo Perreo Sola. They accepted the award in Spanish.

Top Male Artist nominees were DaBaby, Khalid, Lil Nas X, Post Malone, and Ed Sheeran. The 2020 Billboard Music Award went to Post Malone. Post Malone was on set to accept the award. He thanked his family. “I’m not a man of many words.” He ended with,” Stay strong and spread love everywhere you go.”

Doja Cat performed her hits, Juicy and Say So.

Kelly introduced Cher. Cher was there for the Icon Award to honor her friend Garth Brooks. A video highlighted his legendary country music career. And now Garth was honored with the 2020 Billboard Icon Award. He performed on stage before accepting the award. He started with The Thunder Rolls and The River followed by Standing Outside the Fire and Friends in Low Places. Garth also literally sang his acceptance speech and thanked his wife, children, and fans.

Top R& B Artist Nominees were Chris Brown, Khalid, Lizzo, Summer Walker, and The Weeknd. The 2020 Billboard Music Award went to Khalid. “I want to thank Billboard so much for honoring me with this award.” He thanked his fans, his team, and ended with, “Your voice matters.”

SAINt JHN performed Roses.

The Chart Achievement Award was next. The winner was voted for on Tik Tok. The 2020 Billboard Award went to Harry Styles. He did not attend.

Top Social Artist category followed. The 2020 Billboard Award went to BTS. BTS was in South Korea and accepted their award in English.

Demi Lovato played the piano and performed Commander in Chief.

Kelly introduced BTS who performed their huge hit, Dynamite from South Korea.

The Top Christian Artist category came next. The 2020 Billboard Music Award went to Lauren Daigle.

Taraji P. Henson announced the Top Artist Award. The 2020 Billboard Music Award went to Post Malone. Post Malone was touched by the love. He held his drink and said, “Music can bring everyone together … I’m blown away. I’m floored.” Post won 9 Billboard Music Awards and Kelly rolled out his trophies on a stand. Post added, thank you very, very, much ladies and gentlemen.

En Vogue celebrated the 30^th anniversary of their music and closed the show with a dynamic performance of Free Your Mind.

The 2020 Billboard Music Awards went smoothly and was close to normal during Covid-19. The only thing missing was the audience. All the performers did a great job, and Kelly Clarkson rode the show like a champ for three hours. Congratulations to all the 2020 Billboard Music Awards winners.

Tanya Hart

AURN.Com – Hollywood Live

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