LAS VEGAS: Justin Bieber sang his hits “Company” and “Sorry” at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards with the help of a backing track as bright laser lights beamed throughout the performance. He walked from side to side, performing a few dance moves but didn’t match the energy of his backup dancers.
Bieber was named top male artist at the show, beating Drake, the Weeknd, Ed Sheeran and Fetty Wap.
Britney Spears — clearly lip syncing — kicked off the show with a performance that featured several of her hits and some of her signature dance moves.
Others made a stronger showing, including Demi Lovato, whose performance of “Cool for the Summer” with one of the night’s best.
Madonna ended the show with a Prince tribute that included “Nothing Compares 2 U,” before she was joined by Stevie Wonder for “Purple Rain” as the audience rose to its feet, arms gently swaying above their heads and singing along.
However, critics saw her act as too distant from the late artist himself. Writing on Twitter, British singer Dave Stewart of Eurythmics set the tone: “Please don’t have Madonna attempt a prince song.” And shortly afterward: “Too late.”
Kesha earned a standing ovation for her stirring rendition of “It Ain’t Me, Babe” honoring Bob Dylan, and Celine Dion dedicated her Icon award to her late husband at Sunday night’s emotion-packed Billboard Music Awards.
Other top prizes went to Rihanna in the fan-voted chart achievement award, Adele for both top female artist and Billboard 200 album, and The Weeknd for R & B song “The Hills.”
Bieber was named top male artist at the show, beating Drake, the Weeknd, Ed Sheeran and Fetty Wap.
Britney Spears — clearly lip syncing — kicked off the show with a performance that featured several of her hits and some of her signature dance moves.
Others made a stronger showing, including Demi Lovato, whose performance of “Cool for the Summer” with one of the night’s best.
Madonna ended the show with a Prince tribute that included “Nothing Compares 2 U,” before she was joined by Stevie Wonder for “Purple Rain” as the audience rose to its feet, arms gently swaying above their heads and singing along.
However, critics saw her act as too distant from the late artist himself. Writing on Twitter, British singer Dave Stewart of Eurythmics set the tone: “Please don’t have Madonna attempt a prince song.” And shortly afterward: “Too late.”
Kesha earned a standing ovation for her stirring rendition of “It Ain’t Me, Babe” honoring Bob Dylan, and Celine Dion dedicated her Icon award to her late husband at Sunday night’s emotion-packed Billboard Music Awards.
Other top prizes went to Rihanna in the fan-voted chart achievement award, Adele for both top female artist and Billboard 200 album, and The Weeknd for R & B song “The Hills.”
