Billboard Music Award Show For A Political Platform
Bella Breakdown
The Billboard Music Awards had all the celebrity artists walk the red carpet for a night of awards, politics and remembrance.
The host of the award show this year is Kelly Clarkson started the night by addressing the recent Santa Fe school shooting. She was told to say that the families of Santa Fe needs thoughts and prayers, then was requested to do a moment of silence. Clarkson nearly started crying when she started to express that she is tired of the moments of silence, calling for a change saying, “We need to do better. We’re failing our communities, we’re failing their families.”
Janet Jackson was the first African-Ameircan women to receive the BBMA Icon Award and performs a medley of her hit songs including, “Nasty”. During the acceptance speech Jackson said, “Women have made it clear that we will no longer be controlled, manipulated, or abused. I stand with those women, and with men who support us, against discrimination. For all our challenges, we live at a glorious moment in history.” She stands up for the #MeToo movement, calling for an end to sexual harassment.
Shawn Mendes performed his new single “Youth” with Khalid and 12 members of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Student Choir. The performance is to honor the 10 victims that died during the recent Santa Fe school shooting on Friday. With the school shooting at Stoneman Douglas earlier this year, the students wanted to support the Santa Fe students through solidarity.
Ariana Grande performed her first single since the Manchester bomb attack during her concert in May 2017, “No Tears Left To Cry.” The performance was dedicated to the 22 people who lost their lives when the suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, activated an explosive device during her concert in Manchester.
Taylor Swift won two awards for Best Female Artist and Top Selling Music Album, wearing a show-stopping pink Versace gown that reportedly took over 800 hours to make. She gave a shout-out to her Reputation tour she just started, saying she is proud to be apart of an all woman tour with Camila Cabello and Charli XCX. In her second speech she encourages young female artists to follow their passion, not letting gender roles stop them.
Another performance that rocked the awards show was the Korean boy band, BTS, that is known for their androgynous and feminine style. They are rising in popularity in the U.S. for their androgynous style, performing their new song “Fake Love.” They also won the award for Top Social Artist for the second year.
DJ duo The Chainsmokers and singer Halsey gave tribute to the late DJ Avicii, who committed suicide earlier this year. Before presenting the award for Top Hot 100 Song, Andrew Taggart of The Chainsmokers said, “His passing was a great loss for the music world and for us. He was an artist who inspired so many, in so many ways and simply put he meant so much to us and so many in the EDM community.” Halsey contributed that this serves as a reminder to show loved ones support through mental health issues. Later in the evening Taggart dedicated their award for top dance/electronic artist to Avicii.
Salt-N-Pepa performed with En Vouge, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the group being the first female rap artists to hit the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 list with their hit “Push It.” They closed the show performing their 1993 hit “Shoop”.
Check out clips from the Billboard Music Award show above.
