The Associated Press
The 2018 Billboard Music Awards paid tribute to the students and teachers affected by recent deadly shootings in Texas and Florida, while the night also featured show-stopping performances by iconic singer Janet Jackson and K-pop group BTS.
A tearful and emotional Kelly Clarkson, who hosted the awards, opened the show in honor of the 10 people who died Friday at Santa Fe High School, barely able to speak as she urged the audience and the world to do more to prevent deadly shootings from happening. She said she was asked to hold a moment of silence, but chose instead to call for "a moment of action."
"Once again, we're grieving for more kids that have died. ... I'm so sick of moment of silences. ... It's not working," she said Sunday, almost in tears. "Mommies and daddies should be able to send their kids to school."
The show wasn't all somber, though: Jackson rocked the Billboard Awards with an energetic and powerful performance of her past hits in an epic week that included her 52nd birthday and the 25th anniversary of her groundbreaking "janet." album. In a glittery gold sweater-dress and thigh-high boots, Jackson sang "Nasty," "If" and "Throb" as audience members, including Ciara and Tyra Banks danced along at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Bruno Mars made a surprise appearance to introduce the singer, who earned the Icon Award.
Another highlight came when BTS, who won top social artist Sunday night, performed onstage.
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Ed Sheeran, who didn't attend the show but performed from Dublin, won the night's biggest honor -- top artist -- besting Mars, Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift.
But Swift didn't leave empty-handed: She won top female artist and top selling album for "reputation." She said that before she created "reputation," she "felt really misunderstood by a lot of people."
"Thank you for making me feel understood again," Swift said to her fans.
Luis Fonsi was passionate when he picked up top Hot 100 song for "Despacito," the biggest hit of the last year, which also included Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber.
"Thank you, guys, so much for embracing a mostly Spanish song," he said. "This goes out to my Latino brothers, the immigrants ... to all of those when they say 'Speak English,' this goes out to you."
Before presenting the award to Fonsi, the Chainsmokers and Halsey remembered Avicii, the DJ-producer who died last month at age 28. The Chainsmokers also paid tribute to Avicii when the duo won top dance/electronic artist.
"We want to dedicate this award to Avicii," said Andrew Taggart, adding that the Swedish musician "inspired all of us, influenced our music."
"He will be missed," Taggart said. "I hope you found peace."
Camila Cabello won the chart achievement award and also won over the crowd with her performance of "Havana," as audience members Mila Kunis and Rebel Wilson sang along and danced happily.
Cabello's former Fifth harmony bandmate, Normani, was fierce as she performed "Love Lies" alongside Khalid; Ariana Grande followed Clarkson's emotional words with an energetic performance of "No Tears Left to Cry"; and John Legend's performance ended with a photo of his new baby boy displayed on the large screens at the arena.
Salt-N-Pepa closed the show with high-energy, performing the hits "Push It" and "Whatta Man" alongside R&B group En Vogue and even Clarkson.
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