This year, the music world also lost a legendary performer in Prince, and at one point, Dion stopped giving interviews to turn around and watch Madonna’s heartfelt tribute to the late rock legend featuring Stevie Wonder.
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The duo performed Purple Rain after Madonna had sung another track written by Prince, Nothing Compares 2 U, at the ceremony in Las Vegas on Sunday night. Even though the icons collaborated on “Love Song” in 1989 and even briefly dated, Madonna was met with criticism online when Billboard announced she would be the one to pay homage to The Purple One.
Her interpretation was full of languor and devoid of any solo guitar – a key element of the late Minneapolis singer’s repertoire – and far removed from a typical Prince performance and its unique brand of danceable funk.
Celine Dion broke down in tears as her son presented her with the Icon Award, Billboard’s lifetime achievement honour, after a traumatic start to 2016 for the singer.
The Weeknd, who was the night’s leading nominee, won top R&B song for “The Hills” and top hot 100 artist, which he dedicated to Prince.
‘I don’t know him.
“I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for crying”.
Bieber was a double victor, including a win for top male artist, beating The Weeknd, Drake, Ed Sheeran and Fetty Wap. Kesha has accused Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald, of drugging and raping her; claims which Luke has denied, calling them “outright lies”.
Another highlight was a performance by Celine Dion, who was making her return to the stage since the death of her husband Rene Angelil in mid-January.
Despite the tangible emotion, critics said her performance was disappointing, panning it on social media.
Following the announcement of her BBMAs performance earlier this month, her Dr. Luke-owned label, Kemosabe, rescinded its approval of the appearance after reports claimed the singer would use the platform to make a statement about her legal battle with her label head. Rihanna also had a great set with her song “Love On The Brain” off of her new album, “Anti”. He denies the allegations.
Justin Bieber, who was named Top Male Artist, also took to the stage as he sang Company and Sorry from his best selling album objective.
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However, when Bieber is not on stage, the Canadian pop star will be seen sitting one row in front of the former child star in Barney & Friends – Demi Lovato, the reality television star – Laverne Cox and the American actress – Mila Kunis. Ludacris made the joke, “We are like the Oscars of music, but here, we have black people nominated”.
