Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift win big and other highlights of the Billboard Music Awards

By Nichola

on May 21, 2018

The annual awards show, which celebrates artists' achievements on the Billboard charts in the US, took place on Sunday night. Some of music’s biggest names were honoured at the Billboard Music Awards 2018 at Las Vegas. Here’s a quick re-run of the highlights of the evening…

Hosted by singer Kelly Clarkson, the show opened with a tribute to the victims of Friday's mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas. Kelly said, “I'm a Texas girl and my home state has had so much heartbreak over this past year. And once again, y'all, we're grieving for more kids that have died for just no reason at all.”

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The evening included some stunning performances by John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Demi Lovato, Ed Sheeran and Ariana Grande.

Korean pop band BTS became the first-ever Korean act to perform at the ceremony, as they debuted their new single "Fake Love." They also took home the award for Top Social Artist.

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Honoured with the Icon award, Janet Jackson gave her first TV performance in nine years and delivered a mashup of her hits.

While Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran had 15 nominations each in various categories, it was Sheeran who was most feted. He bagged the prize for top artist. The singer took home four awards - top artist, top radio songs artist, top song sales artist and top hot 100.

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Tributes were paid to Avicii, who died last month aged 28. Andrew Taggart from The Chainsmokers said the DJ's death was “a great loss for the music world and for us.” Halsey added, “And it's a reminder to all of us to be there and to support and love all of our friends and family members who may be struggling with mental health issues.”

Ariana Grande performed ‘No Tears Left To Cry’, which is her first single since the Manchester Arena terror attack, which took place nearly a year ago.

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Taylor Swift won top female artist, Camila Cabello won the Billboard chart achievement award, Khalid won top new artist, Taylor Swift won top selling album for reputation and Kendrick Lamar was named top streaming artist.

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