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. After not receiving a verbal introduction, the country star sat alongside his four-piece band and performed “Don’t Think Jesus” then his chart-topping “Wasted on You,” a single from his popular project “Dangerous: The Double Album.”
Shortly after his performance, rapper Pusha T presented Wallen with the top country artist award.
“I want to say, ‘Thank God.’ And thank my fans. I got the best damn fans,” said Wallen, who acknowledged his mother for accompanying him as his date to show. He also thanked Billboard for inviting him. He did not mention last year’s incident, which once found the disgraced singer rebuked by the music industry.
Taylor Swift – who has the second most-ever award show wins with 29 – won four awards. Bad Bunny received two wins while R&B duo Silk Sonic, comprised of Bruno Mars and Anderson. Paak won their first-ever award for the top R&B song for “Leave the Door Open.”
Amariyanna Copeny showed some nervousness after receiving the Changemaker Award for her community efforts in the Flint water crisis that began in 2014. The now 14-year-old Copeny, known as Little Miss Flint, often burst into laughter while reading the teleprompter on stage.
“I don’t do the work for accolades and clout,” Copeny said. “I do it for the kids back home in Flint that are still being poisoned by the water,” she continued. She was presented the award by Teyana Taylor.
Becky G, who released the album “Esquemas” on Friday, performed “Baile Con Mi Ex” and her hit song “MAMIII,” which topped the Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. Ed Sheeran delivered a remote performance from Northern Ireland, where he is on tour.
Other acts who took the stage include Miranda Lambert, Meghan Thee Stallion, and Grammy Awards darlings Silk Sonic.
News Source: US News
