The 2016 Billboard Music Awards were held live in Las Vegas, Nevada at the T-Mobile Arena, hosted by Ludacris and Ciara. I have to admit that while it was a great show, I was slightly disappointed in the presentation of awards, or lack thereof. There were 44 awards up for grabs, but only 10 were presented during the ceremony. With that said, the performances were amazing! So, let’s get on with the show and see if your favorites won tonight!
2016 Billboard Music Awards Recap
The show open with an amazing performance by Britney Spears, who was also the recipient of the Millennium Award. She performed a medley of her songs: Work Bitch, Womanizer, I Love Rock & Roll (Joan Jett), Breathe on Me, I’m a Slave for You, Touch of My Hand and Toxic. Wow! I have to say that for someone who is 34 years old with 2 kids, she looks amazing! She still has the same great dance moves she had back in the 1990’s.
The hosts of the show, Ludacris and Ciara take the stage. This is his 3rd time hosting the show and her 1st time as host.
Heidi Klum and Michael Strahan present the award for Top 100 Artist to The Weekend. He is the leader in nominations tonight with 19. Ultimately, he ends up winning 8 awards, so not a bad night for him overall.
The newest, and 12th Bachelorette, JoJo Fletcher is onstage to introduce the next performance: Shawn Mendes, who performs his hit song Stitches. It was an okay performance; not his best by any means though. He showcases his instrument talent by playing the guitar as well as the piano, which was cool.
Ashton Kutcher presents the award for the Top Hot 100 Song to Wiz Khalifa/Charlie Puth for their song See You Again. I am so excited this song won. This song was featured on the Furious 7 soundtrack and paid tribute to the late Paul Walker.
Fifth Harmony takes the stage to perform their newest hit song Work from Home. Also onstage was Ty Dolla Sign who provided the rap bridge. I am not a huge fan of theirs. Fifth Harmony appeared on season 2 of the show X-Factor in 2012, where they placed third.
The next performance presenters are Serayah and Priyanka Chopra. I knew that Chopra is from the hit TV show Quantico, but I really had no idea who Serayah was. So, I looked it up and turns out she plays Tiana Brown on the TV show Empire. Anyways, Meghan Trainor performs her hit song No. She did an amazing job as always.
Shark Tank’s Marc Cuban and Betty Cantrell, Miss America 2016 present the award for Top Country Song to Thomas Rhett for Die a Happy Man. Well deserved! Wow, is it me or are the acceptance speeches really short and sweet tonight?
DJ Khaled takes the stage to introduce the next performer: Justin Bieber. I honestly had no idea who in the world DJ Khaled was. So, once again I had to look it up. Apparently he is a DJ, record label executive, radio personality and record producer. Anyways, Bieber performs two of his songs: Company and Sorry! As much as I like him, I wasn’t crazy about this performance. It was like he wasn’t even trying to do a good performance. Kind of like he was performing because he had no other choice.
Up next to perform is Pink, who was introduced by three of the stars from the upcoming comedy movie, Bad Moms: Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis and Kathryn Hahn. I honestly had no idea Pink was still making music. Apparently she is though since she performs her new song Just Like Fire. Honestly, I think she was lip-syncing. There is no way she can sing and do all those theatrics at the same time. But, it was an entertaining performance nonetheless.
Jessica Alba, who looks totally amazing, presents the award for Top Male Artist to Justin Bieber. Sweet and well-deserved, even though I thought The Weeknd would take this one home.
Two artists who are touring together this summer take the stage for performances. First up, Nick Jonas sings his new song Close, along with Tove Lo. Wow, these two have amazing chemistry. I would swear these two are an item. Yet, once again I take to my handy dandy search engine to find out more. However, I didn’t find anything definitive on who exactly Jonas is dating, but seems like it is either Lorde or Kate Hudson. Also performing was Demi Lovato with her song Cool for the Summer.
Lukas Graham takes the stage to perform Seven Years. I honestly have no idea who he is but he looks like he is 12 and has no stage presence at all.
Thomas Rhett and Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy) introduce the next performance: Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani performing their duet Go Ahead and Break My Heart. This is the first time I actually see and hear these two performing together and I have to say I am not impressed. First of all, they seem to have no chemistry at all and second, they don’t sound good singing together.
Keke Palmer and Kelly Rowland introduce the next performance: DNCE performing their song Cake by the Ocean. Do these guys have any other song? Seems like this is the only song they ever sing at award shows.
The beautiful Kate Beckinsale presents the award for Top Billboard 200 Album to Adele for 25. She is currently touring overseas but provided a video acceptance speech. Next, was the world premiere of her new music video for Send My Love to Your New Lover. It was kind of a plain, simple video but such a beautiful song from such a talented artist.
Kesha is back! I am so excited! She performed a cover of Bob Dylan’s song It Ain’t Me Babe. I just love her voice.
Zendaya and Wiz Khalifa present the award for Top R&B Song to The Weeknd for The Hills. I was disappointed here, not because he won but because three of his songs were nominated in this category. I don’t think an artist should have more than one entry in any category, but that is just my opinion I guess.
Laverne Cox and Lindsey Vonn introduce the next performance: Rihanna sings her newest song Love on the Brain. I could listen to Rihanna sing all day, it just never gets old.
Seal takes the stage to present the Billboard Icon Award to Celine Dion. I would be lying if I said I didn’t get a little teary-eyed here. My heart goes out to her after losing her husband of 22 years, Rene Angelil on January 14, 2016 at the age of 73, due to throat cancer. She also lost her brother, Daniel on January 16, 2016 at the age of 59, also due to throat cancer. She is such a strong woman but she was definitely emotional onstage. She was joined onstage by her oldest son, Rene-Charles, who was born on January 25, 2001. Celine also has twin boys, Nelson and Eddy, born on October 23, 2010. Celine covered an amazing performance of Queen’s song The Show Must Go On, along with violinist Lindsey Stirling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2VKgkjLKwM
Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars) and Halsey introduce the next performance: Troye Sivan singing Youth. Yes, this was another one I had to lookup online. Seems he was born in South Africa on June 5, 1995 and raised in Australia. He is a singer, actor and YouTube star.
Rebecca Romijn takes the stage to introduce the next performance: The Go Go’s performing their smash hit We Got the Beat. Wow, flashback to 1981. They have definitely aged some but still have the great vocals they always had.
Idina Menzel presents the award for Billboard Chart Achievement to Rihanna. Good for her. She works hard and definitely deserves it.
Ariana Grande takes the stage to sing her song Dangerous Woman. It was a good performance, complete with flawless vocals and plenty of theatrics.
Steven Tyler (wow he is looking old) presents the award for Top Artist to Adele. Again, well-deserved!
The show wraps up with Questlove introducing Madonna, who pays tribute to Prince. She performs the 1990 song he wrote Nothing Compares to You, recorded by Sinead O’Connor. Then, Stevie Wonder comes out onstage to perform Prince’s 1984 hit song Purple Rain with Madonna. Prince died on April 21, 2016 at the age of 57 at his Paisley Park home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
So, let me just say that while the tribute Madonna did for Prince was touching, I was slightly disappointed in something. They didn’t give Prince nearly the time he deserved for a tribute. It was like he was just squeezed in at the end of the show. Really? Prince was such a huge music icon and I think at the least Madonna should have done a medley of his hit songs.
Top Artist:
Adele- I love her and so many of her songs are some of my all-time favorites such as Hello, Water Under the Bridge and When We Were Young. WINNER
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top New Artist:
Fetty Wap- WINNER
OMI
Charlie Puth- I am a huge fan of Paul Walker, so when Puth came out with the song See You Again for the movie Furious 7, I totally fell in love with him. Also like his song Marvin Gaye with Meghan Trainor.
Silentó
Bryson Tiller
Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber- WINNER
Drake
Fetty Wap
Ed Sheeran
The Weeknd- This is a tough one between Justin Bieber and The Weeknd, but 2015 was a huge year for him.
Top Female Artist:
Adele- Another tough one between Adele and Taylor Swift but Adele made a comeback in 2015 and she made a huge one. WINNER
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Taylor Swift
Top Duo/Group:
Maroon 5- While I realize that One Direction is huge, I love Maroon 5 and I love Adam Levine.
One Direction- WINNER
Twenty- One Pilots
The Rolling Stones
U2
Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Adele- Have to go with Adele again. She is so amazing! WINNER
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Hot 100 Artist:
Justin Bieber- Tough one since all the nominees had a great year but Bieber I think edges everyone out, especially with his hot songs Sorry, Love Yourself and Company.
Drake
Fetty Wap
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd- WINNER
Top Song Sales Artist:
Adele- Wow another tough category but going with my girl Adele once again here.
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
The Weeknd- WINNER
Top Radio Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber- Again with Bieber and his hit songs, he has a great chance here.
Ellie Goulding
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd- WINNER
Top Streaming Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber- I think this is a toss between Bieber and The Weeknd, but I am going with the Biebs on this one.
Drake
Fetty Wap
Silentó
The Weeknd- WINNER
Top Social Media Artist:
Justin Bieber- WINNER
Selena Gomez- I love Selena Gomez and with her Facebook page’s 60,318,236 likes, she definitely in contention here, although Bieber and Swift also have a large social media fan following.
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Taylor Swift
Top Touring Artist:
Madonna
One Direction
The Rolling Stones
Taylor Swift- Definitely Taylor Swift and her 2015 tour, The 1989 World Tour. WINNER
U2
Top R&B Artist:
Chris Brown- When he came out with his 1st single, Run It, which went to #1, in 2005, I totally loved his music. Other songs I like by him include Kiss Kiss (which also hit #1), Yeah 3X and Liquor.
Jeremih
Rihanna
Bryson Tiller
The Weeknd- WINNER
Top Rap Artist:
Drake- Canadian-born rapper, Drake, has had the most singles (as a rap artist) on the Billboard Hot R&B Hip-Hop Songs Chart, with 13 singles. WINNER
Fetty Wap
Future
Wiz Khalifa
Silentó
Top Country Artist:
Zac Brown Band
Luke Bryan- Who doesn’t love Luke? Amazing vocals, bubbly personality and sexy smile. What else could you ask for? Bryan hit the country music scene in 2007 and has sold over 7 million albums to date. WINNER
Sam Hunt
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Top Rock Artist:
Fall Out Boy- Fall Out Boy formed in Wilmette, Illinois in 2001 and consists of members Joe Trohman, Patrick Stump, Andy Hurley and Pete Wentz. The group has released 6 albums, 21 singles and 33 music videos.
Elle King
Twenty- One Pilots- WINNER
Walk the Moon
X Ambassadors
Top Latin Artist:
Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizárraga
Juan Gabriel
Nicky Jam
Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho
Romeo Santos- WINNER
Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
The Chainsmokers
DJ Snake
David Guetta- Guetta was born in Paris, France and makes his living as a house music DJ. To date, he has 3 #1 hits, Getting Over You featuring Fergie and LMFAO, Sweat featuring Snoop Dogg and Dangerous featuring Sam Martin. WINNER
Major Lazer
Zedd
Top Christian Artist:
Casting Crowns
Lauren Daigle
Hillsong United- WINNER
MercyMe
Chris Tomlin
Top Gospel Artist:
Anthony Brown and group therAPy
Tasha Cobbs
Kirk Franklin- WINNER
Travis Greene
Marvin Sapp
Top Billboard 200 Album:
Adele, 25- Yes, I am going with Adele yet again. 2015 was a huge year for her. WINNER
Justin Bieber, Purpose
Ed Sheeran, x
Taylor Swift, 1989
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind the Madness
Top Soundtrack:
Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1
Fifty Shades of Grey
Furious 7- This is definitely my favorite movie and favorite soundtrack ever.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1
Pitch Perfect 2- WINNER
Top R&B Album:
Chris Brown, Royalty- Royalty is Brown’s 7th studio album, released on December 18, 2015. Royalty is the name of Brown’s daughter.
Rihanna, Anti
Bryson Tiller, T R A P S O U L
Tyrese, Black Rose
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind the Madness- WINNER
Top Rap Album:
Drake, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late- I like Drake and I like this album. It is his 4th mix tape, which was released on February 13, 2015 to the iTunes Store, with no prior notice.
Drake & Future, What A Time to Be Alive
Dr. Dre, Compton
Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly
Meek Mill, Dreams Worth More Than Money- WINNER
Top Country Album:
Chris Stapleton, Traveller- WINNER
Luke Bryan, Kill The Lights- Love my Luke! This is one of his best albums. It is his 5th studio album, released on August 7, 2015 and features the singles Kick the Dust Up and Strip It Down.
Sam Hunt, Montevallo
Zac Brown Band, Jekyll + Hyde
Carrie Underwood, Storyteller
Top Rock Album:
Alabama Shakes, Sound & Color
David Bowie, Blackstar
Coldplay, A Head Full of Dreams- This is Coldplay’s 7th studio album that they have released since their formation in London, England in 1996.
Mumford & Sons, Wilder Mind
Twenty- One Pilots, Blurryface- WINNER
Top Latin Album:
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo- WINNER
Juan Gabriel, Mis Número 1…40 Aniversario
Mana, Cama Incendiada
Gerardo Ortiz, Hoy Más Fuerte
Romeo Santos, Formula, Vol. 2
Top Dance/Electronic Album:
David Guetta, Listen- Listen is Guetta’s 6th studio album, released on November 21, 2014 and features collaborations with top artists like John Legend, Sam Martin, The Script and Micki Minaj.
Major Lazer, Peace Is the Mission
ODESZA, In Return
Skrillex & Diplo, Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü
Zedd, True Colors- WINNER
Top Christian Album:
Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be- WINNER
Hillsong UNITED, Empires
Joey + Rory, Hymns That Are Important to Us
TobyMac, This Is Not a Test
Chris Tomlin, Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship
Top Gospel Album:
Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Everyday Jesus
Tasha Cobbs, One Place Live
Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion- WINNER
Jonathan McReynolds, Life Music: Stage Two
Marvin Sapp, You Shall Live
Top Hot 100 Song:
Adele, “Hello”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”- WINNER
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top Radio Song:
Adele “Hello”- Okay so yes I am going with Adele again. This song is so amazing.
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up and Dance”- WINNER
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
Top Streaming Song (Audio):
Justin Bieber, “Sorry”- Sorry is Bieber’s 2nd single, released on October 23, 2015 on his album Purpose, released on November 13, 2015. The song spent 3 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
Justin Bieber, “What Do You Mean”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”- WINNER
Drake, “Hotline Bling”
Top Streaming Song (Video):
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”- OMG! I so love this video. I am sure it is partly due to the fact I love Furious 7 and Paul Walker. The video was released on YouTube on April 6, 2015 and features footage from the movie Furious 7.
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Silentó, “Watch Me”- WINNER
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top R&B Song:
Alessia Cara “Here”
Omarion Featuring Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko, “Post to Be”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”- Tough choice but this is a great song. The song was released on June 8, 2015 and is featured on his 2nd studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness, released on August 28, 2015.
The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”- WINNER
Top Rap Song:
Drake, “Hotline Bling”- This is such a cool song. It was released on July 31, 2015 and really shows off Drake’s emotional side.
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Fetty Wap, “679” feat. Remy Boyz
Silentó, “Watch Me”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”- WINNER
Top Country Song:
Sam Hunt, “Break Up in A Small Town”
Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time”
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”- Little Big Town was founded in Homewood, Alabama in 1998 and features members Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlaman, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet.
Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man”- WINNER
Chris Young, “I’m Comin’ Over”
Top Rock Song:
Fall Out Boy, “Uma Thurman”- Uma Thurman was released by Fall Out Boy on January 12, 2015. It features sample music from the theme song of the TV show The Munsters and pays tribute to actress Uma Thurman.
Elle King, “Ex’s & Oh’s”
Twenty- One Pilots, “Stressed Out”
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up and Dance”- WINNER
X Ambassadors, “Renegades”
Top Latin Song:
J Balvin “Ginza”
Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho, “Te Metiste”
Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdon”- WINNER
Maluma, “Borro Cassette”
Romeo Santos, “Propuesta Indecente”
Top Dance/Electronic Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring ROZES, “Roses”
DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge, “You Know You Like It”
David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack, “Hey Mama”
Major Lazer & DJ Snake Featuring MØ, “Lean On”- WINNER
Skrillex & Diplo, “Where Are Ü Now” with Justin Bieber- This is a cool song, featured on Justin Bieber’s album, Purpose and Skrillex and Diplo’s album, Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack U.
Top Christian Song:
Hillsong United, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”- WINNER
Hillsong United, “Touch The Sky”
MercyMe, “Flawless”
NEEDTOBREATHE Featuring Gavin DeGraw, “Brother”
Chris Tomlin, “Good Good Father”
Top Gospel Song:
Anthony Brown and group therAPy, “Worth”
Erica Campbell feat. Big Shizz, “I Luh God”
Kirk Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy?”- WINNER
Travis Greene, “Intentional”
Brian Courtney Wilson, “Worth Fighting For”
Billboard Chart Achievement Award
- Adele
- Drake
- Little Big Town
- Rihanna- WINNER
- The Weeknd
There you have it! Your breakdown of the Billboard Music Awards winners & highlights. What a night, right?
Did you catch the show? What were your favorite moments? Any surprises as far as winners go? Tell us your thoughts!