In case you didn’t notice, pink was hands-down the unofficial theme at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. Maybe everyone is embracing the May flowers and spring warmth, or maybe there’s just an abundance of good vibes in the air, regardless of season. In any case, there was a notable number of artists who sported the charming hue and high spirits throughout the night.
Taylor Swift kicked off the ceremony — and her poppier new era — with an opening performance of “ME!” that featured a marching band decked out in bubblegum-pink uniforms, as well as a cheerful appearance by Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie (who flew onto the stage clutching an umbrella, Mary Poppins-style). Billboard Chart Achievement award winner Ariana Grande and her crew of backup dancers were decked out in light pink for her “7 Rings” performance. Christian crossover star Lauren Daigle’s rose gold-tinted updo and BTS member Jimin’s hot pink hair shone bright for their renditions of “You Say” and the Halsey-assisted “Boy With Luv,” respectively. And Khalid’s performance of “Talk” and “Better” was highlighted by a sparkling orchid.
Even Kelly Clarkson got in on the trend when she sauntered onstage in a fuschia-colored gown to deliver her UglyDolls soundtrack highlight “Broken & Beautiful.” Clarkson also doubled as the BBMAs host for the second year in a row, opening the show with fun medley that incorporated a slew of past and present hits. Her Grammy-winning pipes added extra soul to hits like Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant To Be,” Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up,” Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa’s “One Kiss,” Cardi B’s “I Like It” and Dan + Shay’s “Tequila” — which was complete with a troupe of bartenders serving shots, naturally.
While the ceremony soared with high energy, there were a few somber moments that kept it from becoming too fantastical. During Imagine Dragons’ speech following its top rock artist win, frontman Dan Reynolds shed light on a serious issue affecting the LGBTQ+ community. “I just want to take this moment to say that there are 34 States that have no laws banning conversion therapy. And on top of that, 58 percent of our LGBTQ population live in those states,” Reynolds said. “This can change, but it’s going to take all of us talking to our state legislators, pushing forward laws to protect our LBGTQ youth.”
Along with advocating for marginalized groups, artists also used their speeches to reflect on bettering the music industry. “I wanna encourage other artists to let others know how you feel about them. … Show somebody some love, tell somebody you love their music,” said Drake during his win for Top Billboard 200 Album (before throwing in a spot-on Game of Thrones reference). Drake returned to the podium twice more, on his way to earning Top Artist as well as the overall record for Billboard Music Awards wins, and grew emotional while thanking his mother for always encouraging his dreams.
Speaking of which, as BTS accepted its win for top duo/group, the members vowed to never stop dreaming. Meanwhile, Florida Georgia Line urged everyone to use their platform to spread light to others, and Cardi B gave some solid advice in the middle of promoting her new music: “Be the biggest fan that you can be!”
The BBMAs were mainly a platform for artists to ushering in a new music era. Swift traded in her snakes for sparkles earlier in the show, while Ciara channeled inspirations Michael and Janet Jackson for her carefree “Thinking Bout You” performance as her family cheered her on in the crowd. Madonna returned to her experimental side (and a few hologram copies of herself) for her sexy “Medellín” performance with Maluma, and current Billboard cover stars The Jonas Brothers brought the house down with an unforgettable medley. Nick wooed the audience with his 2014 “Jealous” solo smash before Joe took over with DNCE’s ubiquitous 2015 single, “Cake By the Ocean.” Kevin then joined in on the fun as the officially reunited trio brought the heat (literally) for their comeback tune, “Sucker.” The energetic performance was heightened by the guys’ fiancées and wives — Sophie Turner, Priyanka Chopra and Danielle Jonas, respectively — bringing the new single’s video to life as they sang along to every word.
And of course, the biggest honor of the night went to Mariah Carey, who was presented with the Billboard Icon Award by Jennifer Hudson. Carey delivered a rousing medley of hits, all of which she wrote herself — a tidbit that Kelly Clarkson was quick to remind the audience. Backed by a huge “M” on stage, Carey proved why she’s more than deserving of the award with songs like “A No No,” “Always Be My Baby,” “Emotions,” and “Hero,” where she was backed by a choir and mini-orchestra.
After tossing her tissue aside in true diva fashion and wishing “Dem Babies” — a.k.a. her 8-year-old twins Moroccon and Monroe — a happy birthday, Carey proceeded to thank Billboard for having her growing up on the charts. “I want to thank all the people who’s been with me on this journey — through the highs and lows, through your struggles and mine,” she said. “And to anybody who doesn’t allow themselves to be broken and keeps getting up and keeps holding on and keeps standing tall and keeps on believing and keeps rising. I celebrate you tonight. And to anyone who has ever told me that a song I wrote helped save your life I thank you because you saved mine and I’ll be eternally grateful.”
The legendary gifts kept on giving throughout the ceremony, with Paula Abdul closing out the show with a medley that included classics like “Straight Up,” “The Way You Love Me,” “Vibeology” and “Opposites Attract.” And naturally, the performance ended with rose-colored confetti showering every inch of Las Vegas’ MGM Grand. It was the perfect cherry on top for a night that showcased a bevy of young talent who are creating their own history on the Billboard charts, along with making sure the icons who helped pave the way for their successes received their well-deserved flowers.
