THE WEEKND DOMINATESTHE “2021 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS” WITH TEN WINS
DRAKE RECEIVES ARTIST OF THE DECADE AWARDSURROUNDED BY FRIENDS & FAMILY
P!NK HONORED WITH ICON AWARD, DAZZLES WITH AERIAL PERFORMANCEWITH DAUGHTER WILLOW
RAPPER AND ACTIVIST TRAE THA TRUTH HONORED WITH CHANGE MAKER AWARD
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Los Angeles, CA (May 23, 2021)– Tonight,dick clark productionsandNBCannounced the winners of the “2021 Billboard Music Awards” in an electrifying broadcast special, aired live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. HostNick Jonaswas joined by today’s Billboard chart-topping artists for exhilarating performances, moving moments, and historic wins. Top finalistThe Weekndtook home the most trophies of the night with ten – including Top Artist and Top Hot 100 Artist – bringing his career total to 19. With this, he becomes the number five most decorated BBMA winner of all time behind Drake, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Garth Brooks.
It was a big night for new winners as artists includingAJR, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Gabby Barrett, Karol G,andMegan Thee Stallionall walked away with trophies for the very first time. No strangers to this show,BTStook home four awards, winning Top Social Artist for the fifth consecutive year.
- Drakeheld on to his title for most Billboard Music Award wins of all time, and received the Artist of the Decade Award. The superstar was joined on stage by his son Adonis, mother Sandi Graham, father Dennis Graham,and his closest friends to celebrate the honor.
- ICON Award recipientP!NKmore than earned the prestigious title, performing an unforgettable, moving, aerial routine with her daughter Willow, and a medley of her hit songs.Longtime friendJon Bon Jovipresented P!NK with the honor. She graciously accepted the award, thanking fansand encouraging everyone to “dream big because what if it comes true.” She also gave a special shoutout to Willow, saying she “nailed it!”
- Houston-based rapper, philanthropist, and social activistTrae Tha Truthbecame the second recipient of the annualBillboard Change Maker Award.In an effort to support the incredible work Trae Tha Truth does through hisAngel By Naturenon-profit, the BBMAs and NBCUniversal partnered with him to offer the first-ever official award show non-fungible token (NFT). Fans, as well as the general public, are able to purchase various Trae Tha Truth Change Maker Award NFTs via Bitski for a limited time, and the proceeds from all NFT sales are donated toAngel by Nature. More information can be found atbitski.com/bbmas. Trae Tha Truth was presented the prestigious honor by fellow Houstonian Tina Knowles-Lawson.
- DJ Khaled, H.E.R. & Migoskicked off the show with the world premiere performance of their incredible new single “We Going Crazy,” and the crowds sure were as they danced along to what is destined to be one of the hottest songs of the summer.
- Doja Cat & SZAdelivered anout-of-this-world world television debut of their hit single “Kiss Me More” with a futuristic set.
- Duotwenty one pilotstook over the stage for a high-energy performance of their popular new song “Shy Away.” They were enveloped by a life-size sculpture of unofficial band mascot, and fan favorite, Trash the Dragon.
- Former First LadyMichelle Obamajoined the BBMAs via a pre-recorded message to introduce a special performance fromAlicia Keyscelebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut album,Songs In A Minorwith an ode to her hometown New York and a medley of hits on four different pianos. The multitalented musician performed excerpts of some of her top hits from the past twenty years including “Fallin’,” “A Woman’s Worth,” and “Piano & I.”
- AJRmade their awards show debut with an electric performance of their hits “Bang!” and “Way Less Sad.” The trio of brothers were flanked by a full band of musicians who had the plaza vibrating with excitement.
- To celebrate the 30th Anniversary ofSounds of Blackness’ hit song, “Optimistic”, songwriters and producersJimmy Jam & Terry Lewispresented an epic and moving performance of the legendary track featuringAnn Nesbyfrom Paisley Park in Minneapolis. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the inspirational tune which not only climbed the Billboard R&B charts, but continues to serve as an anthem of inspiration.
- Colombian singer-songwriterKarol Gtook the stage for a performance of her hit songs “Bichota” and “El Makinon” surrounded by a powerful group of female dancers.
- PresenterSwizz Beatzdelivered a moving tribute to those from the hip hop community lost over the past year including rapper and producer Shock G, Bad Boy rapper Black Rob, Prince Markie Dee of the Fat Boys, and Ecstasy of Whodini. He added a special message to his friend DMX, who, following Tupac, was the second rapper to have two number one albums in one year.
- The Army went wild whenBTSperformed the world television debut of their new single “Butter,” which was filled with their signature dance moves and sharp outfits.
- Rock groupGlass Animalsmarked their first US award show performance delighting audiences with their rhythmically captivating song “Heat Waves.”
- Top finalist and top winner,The Weekndgave an unforgettable performance of “Save Your Tears,” swapping backup dancers for backup automobiles, delivering a mesmerizing synchronized routine around the performer.
- British pop-rock sensationsDuran Durantook the BBMA stage for the very first time, with a remote performance from London featuring Blur’sGraham Coxonon guitar. It was a standout moment for lifelong fans and new ones alike, as the band covered hits from the span of their four decade career.
- HostNick Jonasjoined brothersKevinandJoeand special guestMarshmelloto close out the night, and brought the house down with a medley of “Remember This,” “What A Man Gotta Do,” “Sucker,” “Only Human,” and “Leave Before You Love Me,” accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display and exciting pyrotechnic show.
The evening’s star-studded presenter lineup includedCynthia Erivo, Chelsea Handler, Dixie D’Amelio, Gabrielle Union, Henry Golding, Kathryn Hahn, Kelsea Ballerini, Lena Waithe, Leslie Odom Jr., Lil Rel Howery, Padma Lakshmi,andRenée Elise Goldsberry.
See below for a complete list of winners:
ARTIST AWARDS
Top Artist: The Weeknd
Top New Artist: Pop Smoke
Top Male Artist: The Weeknd
Top Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Top Duo/Group: BTS
Top Billboard 200 Artist: Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Artist: The Weeknd
Top Streaming Songs Artist: Drake
Top Song Sales Artist: BTS
Top Radio Songs Artist: The Weeknd
Top Social Artist (Fan Voted): BTS
Top R&B Artist: The Weeknd
Top R&B Male Artist: The Weeknd
Top R&B Female Artist: Doja Cat
Top Rap Artist: Pop Smoke
Top Rap Male Artist: Pop Smoke
Top Rap Female Artist: Megan Thee Stallion
Top Country Artist: Morgan Wallen
Top Country Male Artist: Morgan Wallen
Top Country Female Artist: Gabby Barrett
Top Country Duo/Group: Florida Georgia Line
Top Rock Artist: Machine Gun Kelly
Top Latin Artist: Bad Bunny
Top Latin Male Artist [NEW CATEGORY]: Bad Bunny
Top Latin Female Artist [NEW CATEGORY]: Karol G
Top Latin Duo/Group [NEW CATEGORY]: Eslabón Armado
Top Dance/Electronic Artist: Lady Gaga
Top Christian Artist: Elevation Worship
Top Gospel Artist: Kanye West
ALBUM AWARDS
Top Billboard 200 Album: Pop Smoke “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon”
Top R&B Album: The Weeknd “After Hours”
Top Rap Album: Pop Smoke “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon”
Top Country Album: Morgan Wallen “Dangerous: The Double Album”
Top Rock Album: Machine Gun Kelly “Tickets to My Downfall”
Top Latin Album: Bad Bunny “YHLQMDLG”
Top Dance/Electronic Album: Lady Gaga “Chromatica”
Top Christian Album: Carrie Underwood “My Gift”
Top Gospel Album: Maverick City Music “Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1”
SONG AWARDS
Top Hot 100 Song Presented by Rockstar: The Weeknd “Blinding Lights”
Top Streaming Song: DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch “ROCKSTAR”
Top Selling Song: BTS “Dynamite”
Top Radio Song: The Weeknd “Blinding Lights”
Top Collaboration (Fan Voted): Gabby Barrett ft. Charlie Puth “I Hope”
Top R&B Song: The Weeknd “Blinding Lights”
Top Rap Song: DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch “ROCKSTAR”
Top Country Song: Gabby Barrett “I Hope”
Top Rock Song: AJR “Bang!”
Top Latin Song: Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez “Dákiti”
Top Dance/Electronic Song: SAINt JHN “Roses (Imanbek Remix)”
Top Christian Song: Elevation Worship ft. Brandon Lake “Graves Into Gardens”
Top Gospel Song: Kanye West ft. Travis Scott “Wash Us In The Blood”
TOTAL WINS BY ARTIST(In Numerical Order)
The Weeknd (10):Top Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Hot 100 Song Presented by Rockstar; Top Male Artist, Top Radio Songs Artist, Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Male Artist, Top R&B Album, Top Radio Song, Top R&B Song
Pop Smoke (5):Top Billboard 200 Album, Top New Artist, Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Male Artist, Top Rap Album
Bad Bunny (4):Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Male Artist, Top Latin Album, Top Latin Song
BTS (4):Top Selling Song, Top Duo/Group, Top Song Sales Artist, Top Social Artist (Fan Voted)
Gabby Barrett (3):Top Country Female Artist, Top Country Song, Top Collaboration (Fan Voted)
Morgan Wallen (3)*:Top Country Album, Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist
DaBaby (2):Top Rap Song, Top Streaming Song
Drake (2):Artist of the Decade, Top Streaming Songs Artist
Elevation Worship (2):Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Song
Kanye West (2):Top Gospel Artist, Top Gospel Song
Lady Gaga (2):Top Dance/Electronic Artist, Top Dance/Electronic Album
Machine Gun Kelly (2):Top Rock Artist, Top Rock Album
Roddy Ricch (2):Top Rap Song, Top Streaming Song
Taylor Swift (2):Top Female Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist
AJR (1):Top Rock Song
Brandon Lake (1):Top Christian Song
Carrie Underwood (1):Top Christian Album
Charlie Puth (1):Top Collaboration (Fan Voted)
Doja Cat (1):Top R&B Female Artist
Eslabón Armado (1):Top Latin Duo/Group [NEW CATEGORY]
Florida Georgia Line (1):Top Country Duo/Group
Jhay Cortez (1):Top Latin Song
Karol G (1):Top Latin Female Artist [NEW CATEGORY]
Maverick City Music (1):Top Gospel Album
Megan Thee Stallion (1):Top Rap Female Artist
P!NK (1):ICON Award
SAINt JHN (1):Top Dance/Electronic Song
Travis Scott (1):Top Gospel Song
TOTAL WINS BY ARTIST(In Alphabetical Order)
AJR (1):Top Rock Song
Bad Bunny (4):Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Male Artist, Top Latin Album, Top Latin Song
Brandon Lake (1):Top Christian Song
BTS (4):Top Selling Song, Top Duo/Group, Top Song Sales Artist, Top Social Artist (Fan Voted)
Carrie Underwood (1):Top Christian Album
Charlie Puth (1):Top Collaboration (Fan Voted)
DaBaby (2):Top Rap Song, Top Streaming Song
Doja Cat (1):Top R&B Female Artist
Drake (2):Artist of the Decade, Top Streaming Songs Artist
Elevation Worship (2):Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Song
Eslabón Armado (1):Top Latin Duo/Group [NEW CATEGORY]
Florida Georgia Line (1):Top Country Duo/Group
Gabby Barrett (3):Top Country Female Artist, Top Country Song, Top Collaboration (Fan Voted)
Jhay Cortez (1):Top Latin Song
Kanye West (2):Top Gospel Artist, Top Gospel Song
Karol G (1):Top Latin Female Artist [NEW CATEGORY]
Lady Gaga (2):Top Dance/Electronic Artist, Top Dance/Electronic Album
Machine Gun Kelly (2):Top Rock Artist, Top Rock Album
Maverick City Music (1):Top Gospel Album
Megan Thee Stallion (1):Top Rap Female Artist
Morgan Wallen (3)*:Top Country Album, Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist
P!NK (1):ICON Award
Pop Smoke (5):Top Billboard 200 Album, Top New Artist, Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Male Artist, Top Rap Album
Roddy Ricch (2):Top Rap Song, Top Streaming Song
SAINt JHN (1):Top Dance/Electronic Song
Taylor Swift (2):Top Female Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist
The Weeknd (10):Top Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Hot 100 Song Presented by Rockstar; Top Male Artist, Top Radio Songs Artist, Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Male Artist, Top R&B Album, Top Radio Song, Top R&B Song
Travis Scott (1):Top Gospel Song
For more than 30 years, the BBMAs has celebrated music’s greatest achievements, honoring the hottest names in music today. Unique among music awards shows, finalists are determined by performance on the Billboard Charts. Since 1940, the Billboard Charts have been the go-to guide for ranking the popularity of artists, songs and albums, and are the ultimate measure of success in music.
The “2021 Billboard Music Awards” was produced by dick clark productions. Barry Adelman and Robert Deaton were executive producers.
For the latest news on the Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) visitbillboardmusicawards.comandwww.billboard.com/bbma. For exclusive content and more, be sure to follow the BBMAs on social media (Twitter,Facebook,Instagram,Snapchat,TikTok,YouTube) and join the conversation by using the official hashtag for the show, #BBMAs.
The “2021 Billboard Music Awards” was sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink, Security Benefit and Xfinity.
About dick clark productions:
dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes “So You Think You Can Dance” from 19 Entertainment and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most extensive and unique entertainment archive libraries with more than 60 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. dcp is part of MRC Live & Alternative, a division of diversified global entertainment company MRC. For additional information, visitwww.mrcentertainment.com
MEDIA CONTACTS
MRC / dick clark productions
Gina Sorial
gsorial@mrcentertainment.com
Casimir Spencer
cspencer@mrcentertainment.comNBC Media Relations
Rebecca Marks
Rebecca.Marks@nbcuni.com
Kevin Castech
Kevin.Castech@nbcuni.comSLATE PR
Andy Gelb
andy@slate-pr.com
Elyse Weissman
elyse@slate-pr.com
*Statement on behalf of dick clark productions
Unique among awards shows, Billboard Music Awards (BBMA) finalists are determined by performance on the Billboard Charts, and are not chosen by a voting committee or membership organization. BBMA finalists and winners are based on key fan interactions with music (including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, social engagement), tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including MRC Data.With our content reaching millions of viewers, dcp and MRC have the privilege and responsibility to effect change by creating a more inclusive dialogue in our productions and across the industry.Morgan Wallen is a finalist this year based on charting. As his recent conduct does not align withour core values, we will not be including him on the show in any capacity (performing, presenting, accepting).
It is heartening and encouraging to hear that Morgan is taking steps in his anti-racist journey and starting to do some meaningful work. We plan to evaluate his progress and will consider his participation in future shows.
Billboard.com –Morgan Wallen Is a Billboard Music Awards Finalist But Won’t Be Included on the Show
