On May 20, the 2018 Billboard Music festival was held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The Billboard Music Awards,as one of the biggest commemoration in the United States, awards talented artists for their achievements throughout the year. Including recognizing artists from around the world, fans were able to enjoy a live performance by major singers and rappers including Kelly Clarkson and Shawn Mendes. Kelly Clarkson started of the night with a call to action for the school shooting that happened in Santa Fe, Texas. She then finished her appearance with a music medley performance that included songs by Kendrick Lamar and Ed Sheeran. Other performers of the night included: Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Macklemore and Kesha, Ariana Grande, Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey, Khalid and Normani Kordei, Shawn Mendes and Khalid, Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato, BTS, Camila Cabello and Pharrell, Janet Jackson. Of the amazing presenter lineup, some of the more anticipated stages included Shawn Mendes and Khalid collaboration on the song “Youth” as well as BTS hot debut “Fake Love.” Not only “Youth” and “Fake Love”, but Ariana Grande’s performance “No Tears Left to Cry” in contribution to the Manchester concert shooting touched the audience’s hearts. Paige Richy’s (11) “favorite performance of the 2018 Billboard Music Awards was Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson. [she] was amazed by how amazing both individuals were in executing their [pieces].”  

As if the performances weren’t enough, viewers from around the world were able to celebrate the awards given at the Billboard Music Festival with their favorite artists. The top artist award was presented to Ed Sheeran; the top new artist award was given to Khalid; Camila Cabello won the Billboard Achievement award, and Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift received best male/female artist. Top duo/group was Imagine Dragons and top social artist was BTS. Several more awards were given to various artists which can be seen in the full list below.

Information Credit to Billboard

Top Artist:  Ed Sheeran

Top New Artist: Khalid

Billboard Chart Achievement Award: Camila Cabello

Top Male Artist:Ed Sheeran

Top Female Artist: Taylor Swift

Top Duo/Group: Imagine Dragons

Top Billboard 200 Artist: Drake

Top Hot 100 Artist: Ed Sheeran

Top Streaming Songs Artist: Kendrick Lamar

Top Song Sales Artist: Ed Sheeran

Top Radio Songs Artist:Ed Sheeran

Top Social Artist:BTS

Top Touring Artist:U2

Top R&B Artist:Bruno Mars

Top R&B Male Artist: Bruno Mars

Top R&B Female Artist: SZA

Top R&B Tour: Bruno Mars

Top Rap Artist: Kendrick Lamar

Top Rap Male Artist: Kendrick Lamar

Top Rap Female Artist: Cardi B

Top Rap Tour: JAY-Z

Top Country Artist: Chris Stapleton

Top Country Male Artist: Chris Stapleton

Top Country Female Artist: Maren Morris

Top Country Duo/Group Artist: Florida Georgia Line

Top Country Tour: Luke Bryan

Top Rock Artist: Imagine Dragons

Top Rock Tour: U2

Top Latin Artist: Ozuna

Top Dance/Electronic Artist: The Chainsmokers

Top Christian Artist:MercyMe

Top Gospel Artist:Tasha Cobbs Leonard