2021 Billboard Music Awards Scheduled For May
Last year, the annual music awards show was postponed to October, amid the pandemic.
Dick Clark Productions has announced that the Billboard Music Awards will return to its usual spring schedule this year, airing Sunday, May 23 on NBC. Last year’s edition was postponed, amid the pandemic, to October.
For nearly three decades, the BBMAs has held a unique place among music award shows – honoring artists based on their Billboard Chart performance. All nominees and winners are selected based on key fan interactions with their music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring, and social engagement – all tracked by Billboard.
Last year’s socially-distanced BBMAs, which took place on October 14, was dominated by Post Malone, who took home a whopping nine awards – including Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, and Top Billboard Hot 100 Artist. At 16 nominations, Malone was also up for more awards than any other nominee.
Malone also offered a memorable, pyrotechnics-filled set, as did BTS, who performed their chart-topping English-language hit, “Dynamite.” Demi Lovato premiered her song “Commander in Chief,” and R&B legends En Vogue performed their fiery 1992 single “Free Your Mind.” Host Kelly Clarkson returned for her third year in a row as host and opened the show with a cover of Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love,” alongside Pentatonix and Sheila E.
Country icon Garth Brooks received the coveted Icon Award, while rapper and social activist Killer Mike was the recipient of the inaugural Billboard Change Maker Award, which honors an artist or group that speaks truth to power through their music, celebrity, and community.
Other notable 2020 winners included Billie Eilish, who beat out DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, Lil Nas X, and Lizzo for the Top New Artist award. Additionally, Eilish was named the year’s Top Female Artist. Rising star Summer Walker, meanwhile, was the recipient of the Top R&B Female Artist award, beating out Beyoncé and Lizzo. The Jonas Brothers also had a successful night, earning several wins, including in the Top Radio Song category for “Sucker,” and in the Top Duo/Group category.
According to a press release, additional details on the 2021 Billboard Music Awards are forthcoming.
For more information, visit the official website.
