Controversial returns at awards show
Travis Scott and Morgan Wallen made controversial returns on the Billboard Music Awards stage on Sunday, while Mary J. Blige was honored for her musical excellence.
Wallen performed in his first major awards show after he was caught on camera more than a year ago using a racial slur. He took the stage for “Don’t Think Jesus” and “Wasted on You.” Shortly after, Wallen won the top country artist award.
“I want to say, ‘Thank God.’ And thank my fans. I got the best … fans,” said Wallen, but didn’t mention last year’s incident, which once found the disgraced singer rebuked by the music industry.
Scott made his first televised performance since a massive crowd surge killed 10 people and injured thousands at his Astroworld Festival in Houston in November. The rapper performed “Mafia.”
Mary J. Blige received the Icon Award for being an influential music maker. The singer, known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, was presented the award by Janet Jackson and escorted on stage by Sean “Diddy” Combs — who emceed the televised show in Las Vegas.
Blige said she was in a “dream right now” after she received the honor. “I’ve been on this journey for a long time, one that didn’t always look the way you see me now, one that is filled with a lot of heartache and pain,” she said. “But God helped me to channel those experiences and emotions in my music, which is where I started in music.”
Drake took home wins for top artist, male artist, rap artist, rap male artist and rap album for “Certified Lover Boy.” He extended his record as the most decorated winner in the history of the awards show with 34 wins.
Olivia Rodrigo and Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, won six awards during a nontelevised ceremony. Rodrigo was awarded best new artist. Doja Cat and Taylor Swift came away with four awards each. Bad Bunny received two wins.
Judd celebrated at memorial service:
Naomi Judd was celebrated with words and soaring music at a public memorial service Sunday that ended with her daughter Wynonna announcing that a tour planned for later this year would go on.
“Tonight is a celebration, and at the same time, I can’t put into words how devastated I am,” Wynonna Judd said. “I miss her so much.”
Naomi Judd died
April 30 at age 76. In a statement, the family said they lost her to “the disease of mental illness.”
Brad Paisley, Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile and Carly Pearce were among the performers who took the stage to honor Naomi Judd during “The River of Time” memorial service.
The service began with her daughter Ashley delivering a eulogy that traced her mother’s life from its humble beginnings in Kentucky to the heights of superstardom. “We are here tonight remembering an icon and a legend who left country music better than she found it,” Ashley Judd said tearfully.
Spears has lost baby:
Britney Spears says she has lost a baby early in her pregnancy. Spears,
40, announced the loss on Instagram on Saturday in a joint post with her partner, Sam Asghari, 28.
“It is with deepest sadness we have to announce that we have lost our miracle baby early in the pregnancy. This is a devastating time for any parent,” the post said. “… We will continue trying to expand our beautiful family.”
Spears has two teenage sons with her ex-husband, Kevin Federline.
May 17 birthdays: Singer Taj Mahal is 80. TV personality Kathleen Sullivan is 69. Singer Enya is 61. Actor Craig Ferguson is 60. Actor David Eigenberg is 58. Musician Trent Reznor is 57. Singer Jordan Knight is 52. Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy is 48. Singer Kandi Burruss is 46. Dancer Derek Hough is 37. Actor Tahj Mowry is 36.