1. Taraji P. Henson
At 50, Taraji P. Henson looked hot in her fiery red hair and one-shoulder gown with a thigh-high slit. The Oscar-nominated actress presented the most coveted award for Top Artist.
2. Brandy
Brandy looked golden in a colorful Two Point Two Studio outfit styled by Ashley Sean Thomas. The Grammy-award winning singer paired the look with her signature braids.
3. Brandy and Ty Dolla $ign
Brandy later performed with Ty Dolla $ign in her first performance on the Billboard Music Awards.
4. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys shined in a diamond-studded catsuit as she performed “Love Looks Better.” She also debuted “New Side” during her performance.
5. Alicia Keys Performance
6. John Legend
John Legend dedicated his “Never Break” performance to Chrissy Teigen. “This is for Chrissy. We got a good thing, babe,” he sang. “Whenever life is hard, we’ll never lose our way.”
7. John Legend Performance
John Legend dedicated his “Never Break” performance to Chrissy Teigen. “This is for Chrissy. We got a good thing, babe,” he sang. “Whenever life is hard, we’ll never lose our way.”
8. Sheila E.
Sheila E. opened the show alongside Kelly Clarkson and Pentatonix performing “Higher Love.” The drummer showed us that she still has skills — as if we didn’t know!
9. En Vogue
In Black don’t crack news, En Vogue looked stunning!
10. En Vogue Performs “Free Your Mind”
The trio group showed that their look and songs are timeless, performing “Free Your Mind,” an appropriate song selection in a time where injustice and inequality are at the forefront of discussions.
11. Garcelle Beauvais
The model, real housewife, and “The Real” co-host brightened up the carpet this bright number with a high slit.
12. Jay Ellis
“Insecure” actor Jay Ellis presented the Top R&B Artist.
13. Lizzo
Lizzo won for Top Song Sales. She made a statement in her vote dress and followed with a powerful message (click ahead to check it out).
14. Lizzo on Voter Suppression & the Power of Black Women
Lizzo gave a powerful speech on voter suppression and the power of Black women. “I wonder would I be standing here right now if it weren’t for the big Black women who refused to have their voices be suppressed.”
15. Jharrel Jerome
The Emmy-winning actor for “How They See Us” presented the Top Female Artist at the show.
16. Lilly Singh
Lilly Singh paired a jeweled lapel cream and black pants suit with a jeweled Breonna Taylor mask.
17. Stephen “tWitch” Boss
The Ellen DeGeneres Show co-executive producer spoke backstage about changes to the show. “It’s been incredible. It’s been an awesome feeling to get back to the happiness we’ve always instilled, but then also the way that has matured and evolved: We’re bringing on voices that need to be amplified.”
18. Khalid
Khalid won big taking home several awards for R&B Album for “Free Spirit,” R&B Male Artist, R&B Tour, R&B Artist, and R&B Song for “Talk.”
19. Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X is still making big waves with “Old Town Road” — this time with the remix version. He took home several awards for “Old Town Road (Remix)” including Hot 100 Song, Rap Song, and Top Streaming Song.
20. Demi Lovato with Vote message behind her
Demi Lovato’s performance was beautiful and her message was clear — VOTE!