The Best Moments From the 2021 Billboard Music Awards

This year’s Billboard Music Awards featured sets by Doja Cat, SZA, Alicia Keys, The Weeknd and more. Drake took home the Artist of the Decade award while P!nk was honored with the 2021 Icon award.

The 2021 Billboard Music Awards took place in person on Sunday at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. It’s no surprise that this year’s host Joe Jonas took the stage and performed with his brothers. Each year winners are either selected due to streaming numbers, sales, airplay, and other factors, fans are also able to have a say in who walks away with a Billboard trophy. 

Some of the biggest moments of the evening included The Weeknd winning 10 different awards after being nominated for 16 and Drake being crowned artist of the decade. Aside from these highlights, P!nk was also honored with this year’s Icon award and Pop Smoke won a few posthumous awards, one was the top Billboard 200 album. Doja Cat and SZA also served up a fun moment when they shared a live look at their single “Kiss Me More.”

Below take a look below at a few other key moments from the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. 

Alicia Keys Celebrates Songs in A Minor With a Gorgeous Medley

In celebration of her debut album Songs in A Minor, Alicia Keys unveiled a special medley featuring a few tracks off the release. She began the set with the album’s intro “Piano & I” and then followed up with the deep cut “A Woman’s Worth.” Keys then shifted over to a cover of Prince’s “Why Don’t You Call Me.” To top off her performance she shared a rendition of her hit single “Fallin.”

Doja Cat and SZA Link Up For “Kiss Me More”

The catchy ballad “Kiss Me More” finally receives a live performance and we’re here for it. Doja Cat commands attention in the first half of the set, she’s backed by dancers who are dressed up as planets or are they aliens? Either way her stage presence is undeniable. For the latter half of the performance, SZA hops on stage and delivers her verse effortlessly. 

Drake Humbly Accepts Artist of the Decade Award

Drake winning Artist of the Decade was a major win for the rapper who has been steadily building his career over the course of the past ten years. He’s gone from a mixtape rapper to a global name, his glow-up is undeniable. Before his acceptance speech, the Canadian artist walked on stage with his son Adonis. He then proceeded to share a few tidbits about being unconfident about the direction his artistry was going over the years. We’re all still waiting for his next album Certified Lover Boy. 

The Weeknd Shares “Save Your Tears” With a Unique Performance

Aside from winning the most awards of the evening, The Weeknd also shared an eccentric performance of his latest single “Save Your Tears.” While sitting atop a red convertible, the pop star delivered his set. He was also backed by a fleet of vehicles who swerved throughout the majority of the song. Later he also stood in the center of parking lot.