Multi-platinum recording artist, actor and current Voice coach Nick Jonas is set to host the 2021 Billboard Music Awards (BBMA) live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles tonight (May 23) at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC.
2021 Billboard Music Awards, Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett Lead Noms
Here’s what to watch out for. Winners will be posted after the live broadcast ends:
Special performances
Collaborations and special performances from some of today’s top artists including DJ Khaled featuring H.E.R. and Migos, Bad Bunny, Duran Duran, Karol G, Doja Cat & SZA, twenty one pilots, and top finalist The Weeknd.
BTS will perform the world television debut of their new single “Butter. And first-time BBMA performances from AJR and Glass Animals.
Presenters
Presenters include: Cynthia Erivo, Chelsea Handler, Dixie D’Amelio, Gabrielle Union, Henry Golding, Kathryn Hahn, Kelsea Ballerini, Lena Waithe, Leslie Odom, Jr., Lil Rel Howery, Padma Lakshmi, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Swizz Beatz, and Tina Knowles Lawson.
Special Presentations
P!NK will receive the ICON Award and perform. The ICON Award recognizes outstanding artists who have achieved excellence on the Billboard Charts and have made an indelible mark on music itself. The three-time BBMA winner, who joins only nine other artists to ever receive the honor, will also take the stage for a spectacular performance. Longtime friend Jon Bon Jovi will present her with the award.
Drake will receive the Artist of the Decade Award. Drake holds the title for most Billboard Music Award wins, after taking home 12 trophies in 2019, for a career total of 27. As a finalist in seven categories this year, he could break his own record for most wins of all time.
To celebrate its 30th Anniversary, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis will present an epic and moving performance of “Optimistic” from Sounds of Blackness ft. Ann Nesby from Paisley Park in Minneapolis.
Trae Tha Truth will receive the Changer Maker Award. The Houston-based rapper, philanthropist, and social activist will receive the second annual Billboard Change Maker Award for his unwavering dedication to fighting for, and delivering, social and medical equity in his community.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama Helps Alicia Keys celebrate a special anniversary
Former First Lady Michelle Obama will join the 2021 Billboard Music Awards via a pre-recorded message introducing a special performance from Alicia Keys, who is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Songs In A Minor.
The Billboard Music Awards are based on the chart period of March 21, 2020 through April 3, 2021. Billboard Music Awards‘ finalists and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including audio and video streaming, album and digital song sales, radio airplay, and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including MRC Data and Next Big Sound.
The “2021 Billboard Music Awards” is produced by dick clark productions. Barry Adelman and Robert Deaton are executive producers.
