2016 Billboard Music Awards Live Blog and Winners List

We’re live blogging the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, hosted by Ludacris and Ciara right here! The event is broadcasting LIVE across the country from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on ABC beginning at 8/7c PM on ABC.

Performers include Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, DNCE, The Go-Go’s, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, P!nk, Rihanna, “Kia’s One to Watch” Troye Sivan, Britney Spears, Meghan Trainor, and collaborations with Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Nick Jonas with Tove Lo, and Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani, and Madonna will honor Prince.

Join us as we live blog the winners and more right here.

The show opens with a performance from Britney Spears.  A video package recites her long list of chart successes. She’s only the third artist to win the PRESTIGIOUS Billboard Millennium Award! She lipsyncs to
Work Bitch” as she rips off a shiny red jacket to reveal a glittery bikini and thigh high boots. “Womanizer” is next. Then a cover of “I Love Rock n Roll.” I suppose this set is from her Las Vegas stage show. “Lean on Me,” follows before the stripper pole appears for “Slave 4 U.” And the hits keep coming with “Touch of My Hand.” and for “Toxic,”  Brit dons a feather red stole.  So. That was something. I don’t think I’d pay high Las Vegas ticket prices for costumes accompanied by mediocre dancing and lipsyncing.

C0-hosts Ludacris and Ciara take the stage. PLEASE tell me they won’t be telling jokes. Ugh he calls his third time hosting the show a “threesome.” Also, Cierra’s legs deserve a round of applause. Hm. Ludacris calls the BB Awards the “Oscars of music awards” except we have black nominees.  The terrible jokes mercifully end and it’s time to hand out the first award.

Heidi Klum and Michael Strahan give out the first award for Top Hot 100 Artist to The Weeknd. He’s up for 19 awards tonight.  He dedicates the award to the “late great Prince.” He chokes up a little talking about him.

The new Bachelorette JoJo Fletcher takes the stage next to introduce Shawn Mendes.  He sings the hit song from his debut album “Stitches.”  There are thunderstorm sound effects that are really distracting and may be throwing Shawn off. In any case, his voice is cracking like Peter Brady’s.

You can still vote for the Billboard Chart Achievement Awards!

Ashton Kutcher announces the finalists for the Top Hot 100 songs, and the award goes to Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth for “See You Again.”

Next up! It’s X Factor alums Fifth Harmony singing their hit song “Work from Home” feat. Ty Dolla $ign who is in the house to lay down the rap bridge.  If you have XFinity on Demand, you can watch another performance from the girls after the show is over.

Serayah from the FOX show Empire introduces that totally annoying song “No” from Meghan Trainor. “Blah Blah Blah.” You said it girl. Meghan jumps into the audience to hobnob with the celebs as she sings. The last time she performed live on the Tonight Show, she fell right on her butt and the video went viral. She’s got a sense of humor, but I find her songs too novelty.  She and her oeuvre  will always be staples at weddings, at least.

Marc Cuban and Miss America Betty Cantrell are on hand to award Best Country Song to Thomas Rhett, “Die a Happy Man.”

DJ Khaled. He’s described as a “social media mogul.” I have no idea who he is. After a hyperbolic introduction, which practically describes him as descending from the right hand of God, or something, Justin “I JUST VANT TO BE ALONEEEE!” Bieber takes the stage to sing his latest song “Company” with a crew of background dancers all dressed in white. Next is “Sorry.” If he’s singing, it’s hard to tell, because he’s heavily backtracked.  You got yer crotch grabbing. He’s not sorry about that.  Ha ha. He stops singing mid sentence NOT EVEN TRYING.

Pink is next! YAY SINGING.

Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn from Bad Moms make hi-larious jokes about being bad moms. Hm. They introduce Pink who sings her new song “Just Like Fire”.  She’s suspended over the crowd in a trapeze during the chorus. She works the stage AND sings at the same time! It’s a marvel. The song ends with Pink back up in the air flanked by dancers on trapezes and a flaming clock! It’s quite spectacular.

Jessica Alba is next to present Top Male Artist to Justin Bieber.  “I’m not really a talker,” he says, thanking his family, God and all the people who believed in him.

Nick Jonas and Tove Lo are next to sing Nick’s new hit “Close.” That performance flows straight into Demi Lovato singing “Cool for the Summer.” Her live performances are always iffy and she’s leaning on the pitch impaired side tonight. The two are basically pimping their upcoming summer tour.  FYI: Demi is wearing a shirt emblazoned with a neutral restroom symbol–a little commentary on North Carolina’s silly bathroom panic.

HOW AMAZING ARE NICK TOVE LO AND DEMI Ciara reads tonelessly off a cue card before introducing Lukas Graham singing  “7 years” which is basically a Five for Fighting rip off. As if that needed to happen in the first place. Bleh.

Thomas Rhett and Pete Wentz introduce lovebirds Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani who take the stage to sing their new duet “Go Ahead and Break My Heart” from Blake’s new album If I’m Honest.  It’s a weird combo that oddly lacks chemistry. Their voices don’t really blend well. I swear, I’ll be shocked if this “relationship” lasts much longer beyond the promo for their respective album eras. Yes, I am cynical.

Keke Palmer and…somebody else introduces the Joe Jonas led group DNCE who sing “Cake by the Ocean.” Shot to Nick and Demi in the audience rocking out.  I like that the lead guitarist is a cool chick.

Kate Beckinsale presents Top Album GEE THIS IS GONNA BE A HUGE SURPRISE I JUST KNOW IT considering these awards are based on sales, radio and streams. Ahem. It goes to Adele of course, for 25. She thanks everyone via video from her world tour. Next it’s the premier of the music video for Adele’s next single, “Send My Love to Your New Lover.” It’s not very fancy–Adele in a flowery dress singing  with multiple images of the singer overlayed like a Rorschach test. I might need some dramamine.

Kesha and Ben Folds are next to pay a tribute to Bob Dylan. Not sure why? It’s not like he died. Kesha is wearing a blond with with bangs. It’s a pretty rendition. She’s underrated as a singer. And Ben Folds. His piano keys are so on point.  The performance is a real highlight in a night full of the same ole same ole.

Zendaya and Wiz Khalifa are next to present the award for Top R&B Song to The Weeknd for “The Hills.”

Laverne Cox and Lindsey Vonn introduce Rihanna who performs her latest song  “Love on the Brain,” bringing some R&B to the stage, while leaving out the bells and whistles. She’s delivering an impressive vocal! Digging the retro vibe.

Seal takes the stage to introduce the Billboard Icon Award which will be awarded to Celine Dion. A video package describes how her late husband Rene began managing her when she was a tween. Gulp. Her deal ain’t my deal, but she is a massive star. She’s covering “The Show Must Go On” by Queen tonight. Lindsey Stirling plays violin during her dramatic performance. Her son, Rene Charles, presents the award (It’s a surprise?) and she’s all tearful. He seems like a nice boy. “I want to be so strong for my family and my kids! I don’t want to cry in front of my family!” She thanks Lindsey, which is classy. She is certain her beloved husband will continue to watch over her from above.

Halsey and Lucy Hale are next to introduce Troy Sivan, the Billboard “One to Watch.”  The Australian native started as a youtube star and is openly gay. He performs “Youth.”

Rebecca Romijn introduces The Go Go’s. Let’s remember the 80’s shall we?  They are the only all girl rock band that wrote their own songs and played their own instruments to top the Billboard charts. That’s just effing depressing, yo. I mean…THAT WAS 30 YEARS AGO.  Calling them trailblazers…but nothing has changed.

Idina Menzel presents the fan voted Billboard Achievement award to Rihanna. WORK WORK WORK WORK girl. She thanks her fans and feels really lucky to be up on stage receiving the award.

Ariana Grande is next to sing “Dangerous Woman.”  Flawless vocals. major production values, and a stage full of sexy dancers. Zzzzz.

Next, it’s Steven Tyler to present the Top Artist Award to Adele! Of course because she sold a ridiculous crapload of records this year.  She offers thanks again via video.

Questlove lovingly introduces a tribute to Prince who died on April 21. He’s wearing the late singer’s purple symbol on his black jacket.  They take a moment to remember him before the music of “Let’s Go Crazy” starts up. The entire room is bathed in purple light. And here’s Madonna in a purple chair and a Prince-like signature walking cane. She sings “Nothing Compares 2 U.”  I wasn’t too mad she was chosen to sing the tribute. After all, they came out of the same era and were both huge stars.  She delivers a decent vocal. But then, she walks offstage to lead Stevie Wonder on stage to sing “Purple Rain” which is a song beyond her vocal talents.

And that’s it. The end of the Billboard Music Awards.

Winners List

Top Artist:
Adele – WINNER
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd

Top New Artist:
Fetty Wap – WINNER
OMI
Charlie Puth
Silentó
Bryson Tiller

Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber – WINNER
Drake
Fetty Wap
Ed Sheeran
The Weeknd

Top Female Artist:
Adele – WINNER
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Taylor Swift

Top Duo/Group:
Maroon 5
One Direction – WINNER
twenty one pilots
The Rolling Stones
U2

Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Adele – WINNER
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd

Top Hot 100 Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd – WINNER

Top Song Sales Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
The Weeknd – WINNER

Top Radio Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
Ellie Goulding
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd – WINNER

Top Streaming Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Silentó
The Weeknd – WINNER

Top Social Media Artist:
Justin Bieber – WINNER
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Taylor Swift

Top Touring Artist:
Madonna
One Direction
The Rolling Stones
Taylor Swift – WINNER
U2

Top R&B Artist:
Chris Brown
Jeremih
Rihanna
Bryson Tiller
The Weeknd – WINNER

Top Rap Artist:
Drake – WINNER
Fetty Wap
Future
Wiz Khalifa
Silentó

Top Country Artist:
Zac Brown Band
Luke Bryan – WINNER
Sam Hunt
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood

Top Rock Artist:
Fall Out Boy
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 – 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 – 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
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1
Pitch Perfect 2 
– WINNER

Top R&B Album:
Chris Brown, Royalty
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
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
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
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
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 Selling Song:
Adele, “Hello”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again” – WINNER
OMI, “Cheerleader”
Rachel Platten, “Fight Song
The Weeknd, “The Hills”

Top Radio Song:
Adele “Hello” – WINNER
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”
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”
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”
The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”
The Weeknd, “The Hills” – WINNER

Top Rap Song:
Drake, “Hotline Bling”
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”
Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man” – WINNER
Chris Young, “I’m Comin’ Over”

Top Rock Song:
Fall Out Boy, “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

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”

Fan Voted Billboard Chart Achievement Award
Adele
Drake
Little Big Town
Rihanna – WINNER
The Weeknd

About mj santilli 34841 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!