The 'Hotline Bling' hitmaker nabbed the Top Male Artist Award, while the electronic dance duo won the Top Collaboration Award for their Halsey-assisted track 'Closer'.
- May 22, 2017
AceShowbiz -
The 2017 Billboard Music Awards has officially begun. Nicki Minaj kicked off the event by singing a medley of her hits, including Lil Wayne-assisted song "No Frauds" and "Regret in Your Tears". She also brought out Jason Derulo to perform "Swalla" and was later joined by David Guetta to perform "Light My Body Up".
Drake, who is also slated to perform, picked up an early award. He nabbed Top Male Artist Award, beating out the likes of Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Future and Shawn Mendes. After accepting the trophy from Kate Beckinsale, Drake gracefully thanked his fans, saying, "I want to dedicate this award to the fans...we are nobody without those that keep up with us, I appreciate you."
The Chainsmokers was also an early winner. The EDM duo picked up Top Collaboration Award for their hit track with Halsey, "Closer". Drake and the EDM duo are top contenders on the award-giving event with 22 nominations each.
Drake and The Chainsmokers were also announced as winners before the ceremony. Drake won ten early awards, including Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Album for "Views" and Top R&B Song for "One Dance". As for The Chainsmokers, the duo nabbed three early awards.
Another early winner was Beyonce Knowles. The diva won five awards, including Top Female Artist, Top Touring Artist and Top R&B album for her latest effort "Lemonade". Meanwhile, trailing behind Beyonce was Twenty One Pilots with four early awards.
The 2017 BBMAs is currently airing live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with Ludacris and Vanessa Hudgens as the hosts. More winners will be announced as the event unfolds.
