Drake Decade.
The Billboard Music Awards returned with live music on Sunday (May 23) outside of the Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater.
Some of this year’s honorees included Drake who was bestowed Top Streaming Artist of the year and was honored the prestigious Artist Of The Decade Award. He was joined by his OVO family, parents, and his son Adonis during his acceptance speech.
The Weeknd took the most wins of the night with 10 awards including Top 100 Artist Of The Year, Top Artist, Top Male Artist, and Top Radio Songs Artist. XO also dominated the R&B categories earning Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Album, and “Blinding Lights” receiving the Top 100 Song, Top Radio Song, and Top R&B Song awards.
Other big wins included DaBaby and Roddy Rich’s hit “Rockstar” taking both Best Rap Song and Top Streaming Song and the late Pop Smoke winning three awards in Top New Artist, Top Rap Male Artist, and Top Rap Album. The ladies had a triumphant night with Doja Cat named Top R&B Female Artist, while Megan Thee Stallion was crowned Top Rap Female Artist.
DJ Khaled kicked off the BMAs with an exploding opener of his “We Going Crazy” anthem with H.E.R. and the Migos.
Doja Cat and SZA touched down on to Planet Her with an out of this world performance for their hit duet, “Kiss Me More” given viewers a sexy and futuristic experience with a lively intergalactic festivity.
Alicia Keys celebrated 20 years of her debut album Songs In A Minor with a soulful trip down memory lane. Introduced by Michelle Obama, AK performed her three-song medley “A Woman’s Worth”, “How Come You Don’t Call Me”, and “Fallin” from her grand piano.
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis made a rare appearance and paid tribute to their hometown of Minneapolis. From Prince’s Paisley Park, the iconic production duo conducted a virtual performance of “Optimistic” with Ann Nesby and the Sounds Of Blackness ensemble.
The Weeknd opted out his signature red blazer for a fleet of red convertibles for his hit “Save Your Tears”. Cruising in an empty parking lot in L.A., XO belted the song hanging out the back of his drop-top before stepping out and synchronously circled by a convoy of convertibles, white Benzes and semi trucks.
