SWIFT, SHEERAN WIN AT BILLBOARDS
The Billboard awards night saw Ed Sheeran’s big win and artists rising in unison against mass killings in US
The 2018 Billboard Music Awards night on Sunday, celebrated some of the biggest names of the entertainment industry, with Ed Sheeran taking home not only the Top Male Artist but the Top Artist Award, and Taylor Swift lifting the Top Female Artist trophy. The ceremony, hosted by singer Kelly Clarkson, was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. As the night progressed, a slew of artists took over the stage one after the other to perform, including Sheeran (in a telecast from Dublin), John Legend, Christina Agulera, Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande. Janet Jackson, who received the Icon award, gave her first TV performance in 9 years, and delivered a mashup of her hits.
Earlier, Clarkson opened the show with a tribute to the victims of Friday’s mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas. “I’m a Texas girl and my home state has had so much heartbreak over this past year. And once again, you all, we’re grieving for more kids that have died for just no reason at all,” Clarkson said.
The awards paid tribute to the students and teachers affected by recent deadly shootings in Texas and Florida. Shawn Mendes and Khalid were joined onstage by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Show Choir for the song Youth, a performance occurring three months after 17 people were killed at the school in Parkland, Florida. Mendes and the choir members wore sweaters that read ‘Youth’, while Khalid’s shirt read ‘Protect Our Guns Children’, with the word ‘Guns’ crossed out.
Singers Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, and Sheeran went into the night with 15 nominations each.