The Queen of Pop paid homage as she dressed head to toe in purple before taking to the stage at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on a purple throne.
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“I don’t know him”.
After accepting the Billboard Icon Award, Dion was surprised by her son and apologized for crying, which no one would fault her for. Ariana Grande also performed.
The response said, “Yeah, we saw that”.
She was then joined by Wonder to sing Prince’s 1984 hit, Purple Rain as members of the audience including Rihanna waved purple glow sticks and sang along.
Celine Dion had a bittersweet night at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. Britney Spears – clearly lip syncing – kicked off the show in a shimmery red number with a performance that featured several of her hits, from “I’m a Slave 4 U” and “Toxic”.
“Thank you very much”.
For all the questions over Kesha’s appearance, she delivered a standout performance of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me, Babe” with pianist Ben Folds that was lovely in its simplicity.
The 23-year-old singer – who has been dating Wilmer Valderrama since 2010 – used her performance at the glamorous event to silently stand up against North Carolina after it passed a rule two months ago that forces people to use the public bathroom of the gender listed on their birth certificate.
The Weeknd, who’s real name is Abel Tesfaye, won eight awards, more than any male artist in Billboard history. “I want to thank everyone that believed in me and believes in me”, Bieber said.
The British singer won three other awards, and used the ceremony to debut her new music video for Send My Love (To Your New Lover).
Oscar-winning singer Adele was the second big victor at the awards with four honours including the top female artist, top artist, top Billboard 200 artist, top Billboard 200 Album for “25” and top selling song (‘Hello’).
But Mark Bracco, executive producer of the awards show, said Madonna’s tribute would be “very intimate and very respectful”.
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Wiz Khalifa’s song See You Again featuring Charlie Puth was named best rap song.
