The 2018 Billboard Music Awards kicks off Sunday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where some of the biggest names in music came out to honor the year’s most celebrated and successful artists.
Hosted by Kelly Clarkson, the star-studded annual show features tons of jaw-dropping live performances from Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, Ariana Grande, Janet Jackson, Camila Cabello and Kesha, just to name a few.
However, for the musicians in attendance, the night really came down to who took home the awards show’s coveted Golden Microphones.
Going into the show, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar were tied for most BBMA nominations with 15 apiece — and all three went head-to-head in the night’s big Top Artist category. Meanwhile, Post Malone found himself toward the front of the pack with 13 nominations, followed by Imagine Dragons with 11.
Also duking it out in the coveted Top Artist category were Drake — who nabbed 9 nominations — and Taylor Swift, with a total of 5 nominations for her most recent album, Reputation.
Check out the list below for a look at all of the night’s big winners across all categories.
Top Hot 100 song: “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
Top Billboard 200 album: “DAMN.” by Kendrick Lamar
Top artist: Ed Sheeran
Top new artist: Khalid
Top female artist: Taylor Swift
Top male artist: Ed Sheeran
Top streaming songs artist: Kendrick Lamar
Top song sales artist: Ed Sheeran
Top radio songs artist: Ed Sheeran
Top duo/group: Imagine Dragons
Top rap artist: Kendrick Lamar
Top R&B artist: Bruno Mars
Top country artist: Chris Stapleton
Top rock artist: Imagine Dragons
Top Latin artist: Ozuna
Top dance/electronic artist: The Chainsmokers
Top Christian artist: MercyMe
Top gospel artist: Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Top social artist: BTS
Top touring artist: U2
Chart achievement award: Camila Cabello
Icon award: Janet Jackson
Check out the video below for some of the most memorable moments from last year’s Billboard Music Awards.
By Zach Seemayer
