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lifestyle TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

Awars

Madonna performs a tribute to Prince, pictured onscreen, at the at the T-Mobile performs a tribute to Prince at the Billboard Celine Dion performs ‘The Show Must Go On’. Arena in . — AP/AFP photos Music Awards. Celine Dion, Kesha give emotional performances at Billboard

eline Dion and Kesha, both in the midst of drama in North Carolina’s recent law addressing LGBT rights and their personal lives, gave emotional performances at bathroom use by transgender people. Lovato, who is on Cthe 2016 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday. Dion sang tour with Nick Jonas, recently canceled shows in North Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” in strong form Sunday, sport- Carolina in protest of the state’s law. Pink also impressed ing a shiny dress and backed by a powerful orchestra. Dion with her performance - featuring her signature high-flying lost her husband and brother in the same week in January, moves - while she sang her new song, “Just Like Fire.” and her son presented her with the Billboard icon award after was also a highlight with strong vocals when she her performance. “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for crying. I want to be sang “Love on the Brain.” so strong for my family and kids ... I don’t want to cry in front Madonna will close the show with a tribute to Prince, who of you,” a teary Dion said to Rene-Charles Angelil. “Thank you died on April 21 at age 57. The icons collaborated on “Love very much ...This is such a tremendous honor ... Music has Song” in 1989. Leading nominee The Weeknd is nominated for been my passion since before I can almost remember.” the night’s big prize - top artist. His competition includes Dion said her late husband Rene Angelil will “continue to , , Bieber and . The Weeknd won top watch over me from up above.” Kesha sang a heart-wrenching R&B song for “The Hills” and top hot 100 artist, which he dedi- cover of ’s “It Ain’t Me Babe” at the T-Mobile Arena in cated to Prince. Las Vegas. She stood still in a cream suit and was backed by a pianist and violinist, hitting all the right notes and growing Black nominees teary-eyed near the end. She earned a standing ovation from “I want to dedicate this award to the late, great Prince,” he the audience - a welcome response after the performance was said after accepting the first award of the night. “I love him so initially nixed by her former mentor, Dr Luke. The hit-making much. I didn’t know him, but he was so close to me. He will producer and his record label reversed the decision after always be an inspiration.” He lost top male artist to Bieber, who Kesha said she would not use the stage to discuss their ongo- also beat out Drake, and Fetty Wap. “I’m not really ing lawsuit. a talker, but I’ll say thank you to my family. I want to thank God. I want to thank everyone that believed in me and Bathroom symbol believes in me,” Bieber said. Adele’s best-seller “25” bested Other performances were not as strong: sang albums from Swift, Bieber, the Weeknd and Sheeran for top Honoree Celine Dion poses in the press room. his hits “Company” and “Sorry” with the help of a backing track Billboard 200 album. “I can’t believe I’ve won another one,” as bright laser lights beamed throughout the performance. He Adele said in a video message. “This record was quite a mis- walked from side to side, performing a few dance moves but sion to make.” didn’t match the energy of his backup dancers. Adele didn’t attend the show because she is on tour, but - clearly lip syncing - kicked off the show in a shimmery red the awards show premiered her for “Send My number with a performance that featured several of her hits, Love (To Your New Lover).” Ciara and are hosting the from “I’m a Slave 4 U” and “Toxic,” and some of her signature show, and the rapper opened the show by poking fun at this dance moves. Demi Lovato’s performance of “Cool for the year’s Academy Awards, which featured all-white acting nomi- Summer” was among the night’s best. She also made a state- nees. “Unlike the Oscars, we actually have black nominees,” ment by wearing a shirt featuring an inclusive bathroom sym- Ludacris said to laughs. and Charlie Puth’s “See You bol, taking a stance against Again” won top hot 100 song. “Whoa,” Khalifa exclaimed as his mother cheered him on from the audience. Thomas Rhett won top country song for “Die A Happy Man.” “This is incredible. I got to thank God. I got to thank my wife,” he said. — AP

Kate Beckinsale presents the award for top Billboard 200 album to Adele, pictured onscreen, via satellite.

Recording Artist Thomas Rhett, winner of the Top Country Song Award for ‘Die a Happy Man’ poses in the press room.

The Weeknd poses in the press room with the awards for top 100 hot artist, top 100 sales artist, top radio songs artist, top streaming songs artist, top R&B artist, top R&B album, top streaming song (audio) and top R&B song at Recording artist Justin Bieber accepts the Top Male Artist the Billboard Music Awards. award onstage. Recording artist Pink performs onstage.

Recording artist Wiz Khalifa, co-winner of the Top Hot 100 David Guetta poses in the press room with the award for Kesha performs ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’. Recording artist Rihanna accepts the Billboard Chart Song award for ‘’ (with Charlie Puth), poses top dance/electronic artist. Achievement Award. in the press room.