The 2022 Billboard Music Awards were held on Sunday night, hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs live from the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Drake, who did not attend the event, was the big winner of the evening, taking home the awards for Top Artist and Top Male Artist.
Other big winners included Olivia Rodrigo, who won Top New Artist, Top Female Artist, Top 100 Artist and Top Streaming Songs Artist awards as well as BTS, who took the Top Duo/Group honor, and Taylor Swift, who won Top 200 Billboard 200 Artist.
Mary J. Blige was honored with the Icon Award, after being introduced by Janet Jackson with a video montage which explored Blige’s career. Said Jackson: “Mary J. Blige represents truth.” In accepting her award, Blige called Jackson an icon and inspiration, saying: “I’m in a dream right now, thank you so much. ” She also thanked friends, family, fans and Billboard for the honor: “The way the world is now, I think people think icons are born that way. They become a legend overnight, but that is definitely not the case. It takes a lot time, hard work and a lot of surviving trial and error to achieve greatness.”
Machine Gun Kelly performed “Twin Flame”, dedicating the song to his fiancé, actress Megan Fox, while Travis Scott performed for the first time since the Astroworld tragedy about six months ago in Houston. Morgan Wallen won Top Country Male Artist, with Dan + Shay taking home Top Country Duo/Group.
For a full list of winners, head here.
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