Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Post Malone owns Billboard Awards
Hewon nine honors while John Legend gave a heartfelt performance that was dedicated to hiswife.
NEWYORK» Walking into the show with 16 nominations, Post Malone won nine honors at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, where John Legend gave a heartfelt performance that was dedicated to his wife.
With his voice aching as he sang passionately from the piano, Legend told viewers “this is for Chrissy” before singing “Never Break,” which includes the lyrics “we will never break.” The performance comes two weeks after Chrissy Teigen announced she had a miscarriage, explaining in a heart wrenching socialmedia post that she and Legend drove “home from the hospital with no baby.”
“John, that was so beautiful,” host Kelly Clarkson said following his performance. “All my love to you and Chrissy.”
It was one of several performances that were pre-taped for Wednesday’s show. Other musicians attended and performed at the empty Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles during the three-hour event, which aired on NBC.
After announcing that Malone won the show’s biggest honor, top artist, Clarkson wheeled out eight more trophies for the hit maker.
“I’m honestly blown away by the love everyone’s shown to me,” said Malone, who also won top rap artist, top male artist and top rap album. “It’s kind of big deal tome and everybody involved because we work our (butts) off.”
He beat out Billie Eilish for the top prize, but shewas still a winner, taking home top Billboard 200 album, top female artist and top new artist.
The 18-year-old, wearing a face mask, told viewers to “please vote, please wear a mask, please wash your hands.”
Others had similar messages. Khalid,
who won five honors, told fans “your voice matters now more than ever.” And Lizzo wore a black dress with “vote” printed across it.
Other winners included Lil Nas X, who took home four honors and was on-hand to accept top Hot 100 song for “Old Town Road,” which set the record formost weeks at No. 1. KanyeWest, who released two gospel albums last year, also won four prizes: top gospel artist, top gospel song, top gospel albumand top Christian album.
Garth Brooks accepted the Icon Award from Cher, who called the country star “a true music legend and my friend.” Brooks, who is the only artist to have nine of his albums sell more than 10 million units each and reach diamond status, performed a medley of his hits.