News

19 Nov 2023

Jordin Sparks, FIFTY FIFTY’s Keena, Miguel, Coco Jones & More Hit Billboard No. 1s Party Ahead of Billboard Music Awards: See Photos

Ahead of tonight’s 2023 Billboard Music Awards, we celebrated the year of chart-toppers at Billboard No. 1s: The Official Party of the Billboard Music Awards on Saturday night in Los Angeles.

Among the stars who made their way up to the Sheats-Goldstein Residence in the Beverly Crest neighborhood of LA were 2023 Billboard Music Awards finalists Jordin Sparks and Keena from the K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY, as well as Miguel, Coco Jones, Madison Beer, Jaden Smith, Normani, Landon Barker, Bella Poarch, Iann Dior, Diane Warren, Victoria Justice, Westside Gunn, The Rose’s Woosung and Jaehyung, Ross Lynch, Paul Russell, Bia, Baby Tate, The Veronicas, Yvng Lvcas, Queen Naija, Slayyyter, Lele Pons, Harry Jowsey, Skai Jackson, Laura Marano, McKenna Grace and many more.

On the red carpet outside the estate, Keena told Billboard’s Rania Aniftos that she was still processing FIFTY FIFTY being up for two prizes at tonight’s BBMAs: top duo/group and top global K-pop song for “Cupid.” “This is so surreal,” she said. “I can’t believe I’m here. I feel so honored and grateful to be nominated for this award.”

Sparks told Billboard that her husband, Dana Isaiah, was the one who broke the news to her that “Love Me Like I Am,” her collab with for KING & COUNTRY, was up for top Christian song at tonight’s awards show. “It means the world to be a BBMAs finalist,” she said. “Billboard has been such a pillar in the music community for so long, so it feels especially special to be here.”

One of our chart-toppers in the building was Miguel, whose 2010 song “Sure Thing” crawled its way to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Pop Airplay chart this year, more than a decade after its release. “It’s a massive blessing,” he told Billboard. “It’s a testament to how fans can really push a song and great songwriting can live on and live forever, and how great music still matters.”

Another 2023 chart-topper at the party was Coco Jones, whose breakthrough smash “ICU” spent four weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. “Even seeing ‘ICU’ on the Billboard charts was such a huge goal of mine,” Jones told Billboard on the carpet. “It’s been on my vision board since I was literally 16 years old. So it’s so full-circle and I’m so honored to be here.”

Guests were ushered up to the private residence on Saturday night by a fleet of vehicles from Lexus, which sponsored the Billboard No. 1s party. Once inside, they could hit the dance floor soundtracked by the night’s DJ, NITRANE; grab a drink or a passed app; or head outside for an expansive view overlooking the city across a pool with a massive Billboard No. 1s sign across the back.

The 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy will start rolling out performances and awards via BBMAs.watch, as well as across BBMAs and Billboard social channels, starting tonight at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Find the full schedule, list of performers and how to watch here.

Below, find photos from the red carpet and inside at Billboard No. 1s: The Official Party of the Billboard Music Awards.

Thundercat & Jordin Sparks

Image Credit: Christopher Polk

Thundercat and Jordin Sparks at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Landon Barker & Iann Dior

Image Credit: Christopher Polk

Landon Barker and Iann Dior at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
BIA & Jeleel

Image Credit: Peru Williams

BIA and Jeleel at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Lele Pons

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores

Lele Pons at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Leonelle & Keena

Image Credit: Christopher Polk

Leonelle and Keena at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Normani

Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez

Normani at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
June Freedom

Image Credit: Peru Williams

June Freedom at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Keena & Jordin Sparks

Image Credit: Christopher Polk

Keena and Jordin Sparks at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Lexie Stevenson

Image Credit: Peru Williams

Lexie Stevenson at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Milo Manheim & Bella Poarch

Image Credit: Peru Williams

Milo Manheim and Bella Poarch at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Coco Jones

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores

Coco Jones at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Arize & Preston Pippen

Image Credit: Peru Williams

Arize and Preston Pippen at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Queen Naija

Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez

Queen Naija at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Diane Warren & Lori Rischer

Image Credit: Christopher Polk

Diane Warren and Lori Rischer at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Joyce Wrice

Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez

Joyce Wrice at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Crowder & Jacoby Shaddix

Image Credit: Christopher Polk

Crowder and Jacoby Shaddix at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Jaehyeong, Kim Woo-sung & Miguel

Image Credit: Christopher Polk

Jaehyeong and Kim Woo-sung of The Rose and Miguel at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
BLXST

Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez

BLXST at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Madison Beer

Image Credit: Christopher Polk

Madison Beer at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Polo G

Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez

Polo G at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Kim Woo-sung, Jaehyeong, Jamil Davis & Jaden Smith

Image Credit: Peru Williams

Kim Woo-sung and Jaehyeong of The Rose, Jamil Davis and Jaden Smith at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Baby Tate

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores

Baby Tate at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Keena

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores

Keena at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Cambrian & Tay Keith

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores

Cambrian and Tay Keith at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Diane Warren

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores

Diane Warren at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Fridayy

Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez

Fridayy at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Westside Gunn

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores

Westside Gunn at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov.18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Miguel

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores

Miguel at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Ledisi

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores

Ledisi at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Victoria Justice

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores

Victoria Justice at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Khris Riddick-Tynes

Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez

Khris Riddick-Tynes at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.

19 Nov 2023

Peso Pluma Says Mike Tyson Joining Him at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Is A ‘Dream Come True’

Ahead of his performance at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, which is set to kick off tonight at 8 p.m. ET, Peso Pluma talks candidly about his connection to boxing, his famous haircut and the magic of music.

“It’s amazing,” the Mexican star tells Billboard about having Mike Tyson join him during his first-ever BBMAs performance, where he will be singing “Rubicon.” “It’s another dream come true. I’ve been watching him all my life and he’s an inspiration and a motivation for me to keep going and do whatever I like.”

Fun fact: Another boxing legend inspired Peso’s stage name, which translates to “featherweight” in English. “We were all skinny when we began and we were playing at a private party and met Marco Antonio Barrera, he was champion in that weight, and we knew from that moment it was destiny — we had to go by that name.”

Additionally, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter spoke about the globalization of Spanish-language music, with his first global hit being his collaboration with Eslabon Armado, “Ella Baila Sola.” “It was just a before and after. When I started seeing that my music was playing in other countries like China and Japan, places where they don’t even speak Spanish, is really cool,” he says. “To hear that people who don’t speak Spanish, they like the music, and that’s the magic of music.” Watch Peso Pluma’s interview above.

Peso Pluma is up for five total awards at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy, including top new artist, top Latin artist, top Latin male artist and top Latin album for Génesis, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart, the most for a regional Mexican album. He’s also a finalist in the top Latin song category with two entries: “Ella Baila Sola” with Eslabon Armado and “La Bebe” with Yng Lvcas.

Peso’s performance is part of a star-filled lineup of previously announced BBMA performers, including Mariah Carey, David Guetta and Bebe Rexha, Karol G, NewJeans, Stray Kids and Morgan Wallen. Performances and awards will roll out across BBMAs and Billboard social channels, as well as via BBMAs.watch, tonight, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

19 Nov 2023

Bebe Rexha Calls Winning Her First Billboard Music Award a ‘Full-Circle Moment’

Bebe Rexha takes the stage in front of her biggest fans for the 2023 Billboard Music Awards tonight (Nov. 19) to perform “I’m Good (Blue)” with her musical collaborator, David Guetta. To celebrate the song’s big year, Rexha shared her thoughts with Billboard ahead of the performance.

“Just seeing the fans embrace ‘I’m Good’ in the way that they have has been such an incredible journey, and I think this is an incredible moment to do something that I’ve never done before,” she says. “It’s so different and it’s kind of like a gift to my fans to say thank you.”

As for her favorite BBMAs memory, Rexha noted a moment in 2019 when she won top country song for “Meant to Be,” her collaboration with Florida Georgia Line. “I grew up watching the Billboard Awards, and finally being able to win one was such a special moment for me. It was like a full-circle moment,” she said, adding, “Winning a Billboard Music Award means a lot to me, because it’s a reflection of where your song lies on the charts and working so hard in this industry and getting the recognition is really awesome.”

“I’m Good (Blue)” — which is a finalist for three BBMAs at Sunday’s show — spent 55 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. (Only one song in the chart’s nearly 11-year history has had a longer run at No. 1: “Happier” by Marshmello and Bastille topped the chart for 69 weeks.)

The Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy can be viewed on BBMAs.watch or via the Billboard and BBMAs social media channels starting at 8 p.m. ET tonight.

Watch Billboard‘s full interview with Bebe Rexha at the BBMAs above.

19 Nov 2023

Peso Pluma on the Meaning Behind His Name, Success of ‘Ella Baila Sola’ & More | Billboard Music Awards 2023

Peso Pluma explains the meaning behind his artist name, what it means for him to be on the Billboard charts, the worldwide success of “Ella Baila Sola” and more as part of the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy.

Producer
Hi

Peso Pluma
Hi

What does charting on the Billboard charts mean for you and your career?

Peso Pluma
It’s amazing it’s just a dream come true and just having the name of Peso Pluma as a group there and representing Mexico wherever we go, it’s a good thing just to be proud you know.

What did you stream most this year?

Peso Plus
I guess Drake.

Why the name Peso Pluma?

Peso Pluma
Because we were all skinny when we began and we were playing on a private party, and we we met Marco Antonio Barrera, which he was champion in that in that way. At his time, and we knew from that moment it was it was destiny. We have to we just have to go by that name.

What is your earliest memory with boxing?

Peso Pluma
Going to Canelo’s fight in Guadalajara. That was a pretty good moment.

What does it mean to you having Mike Tyson here?

Peso Pluma
It’s amazing. It’s it’s another dream come true. I’ve been watching him all my life and he’s an inspiration and a motivation for me to keep going and to do whatever I like you know?

Do you have a name for your hairstyle?

Peso Pluma
Uh know the Peso Pluma cut.

When did you realize you were a global sensation?

Peso Pluma
When uh, yeah, “Ella Baila Sola” became so global. I think it was just an hour before and enacted, when I start seeing that, that my music was playing in this whole different countries like China and Japan everywhere. Places where they don’t even speak Spanish, you know? And it’s real cool. Just to, to hear people that doesn’t know a Spanish that doesn’t know the lyrics just they, they liked the music and that’s magic of music.

19 Nov 2023

Stray Kids on Their BBMAs Performance, Their EP ‘Rock-Star,’ Giving Back to Fans & More | Billboard Music Awards 2023

Stray Kids talk about their performance at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy, releasing their EP Rock-Star and their full album 5-Star in the same year, what artists they have been streaming this year and more.

Why was this creative/song choice important to you?

Stray Kids:
All right, so “S-Class” and “LALALALA.” Two very important songs to Stray Kids. And we thought, you know, it’d be good to mash up the two songs and show a very good performance. And show the full potential of the two songs.

Why is it so important to share this moment with your fans?

Stray Kids:
We’ve only been able to achieve this much thanks to our STAY for being by our side, so we want to celebrate with our STAY.

What artists did you stream the most this year?

Stray Kids:
For me, it would be LANY. And I love the recent album. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Tell us about your EP Rock-Star and how it feels to have released a full album and an EP in one year. Why is it important to put out so much music?

Stray Kids:
The reason why we continue to release so much music is not only because of our fans who wait for our music, but also because there are still so many sides of our group and so much music that we want to show the world.

What’s in store for 2024?

Stray Kids:

Personally, I want to go on a vacation to somewhere nice, with all my Stray Kids members.

Watch the full video above.

19 Nov 2023

Tate McRae Electrifies With ‘Greedy,’ Debuts Ballad ‘Grave’ on ‘Saturday Night Live’: Watch

Tate McRae brought the heat to Saturday Night Live.

The Billboard cover star made her SNL musical guest debut on Nov. 18, performing her hit song “Greedy” and debuting new ballad “Grave” during the Jason Momoa-hosted episode.

The 20-year-old pop star launched her two-song set with “Greedy,” which caught fire on TikTok before crossing over on the charts. The track currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. During the performance, McRae showed off some killer dance moves on sports bleachers while leading a squad of fellow dancers.

“Greedy” will be featured on the singer-songwriter’s sophomore album, Think Later, which is scheduled for release on Dec. 8 through RCA Records.

For her second song, following an introduction from second-time host Momoa, McRae slowed things down with the debut of new ballad Grave,” which was teased at the end of her music video for “Exes.” Wearing a see-through black dress, the Canadian-born artist delivered the emotional track amid a moody setting with fog and a dark backdrop.

McRae has had seven Hot 100 hits, including two this year. The singer also had seven charted songs on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart, including “You Broke Me First,” which reached No. 2 in April 2021.

She will make her Billboard Music Awards debut on Sunday (Nov. 19) by performing “Greedy.” Performances and awards will roll out across BBMAs and Billboard social channels, as well as via BBMAs.watch, on Sunday beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Watch McRae’s SNL performances below. For those without cable, the broadcast streams on Peacock, which you can sign up for at the link here. Having a Peacock account also gives fans access to previous SNL episodes.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=skptcIyK5fA&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

https://youtube.com/watch?v=8bhzcjcm1r4&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

19 Nov 2023

Bebe Rexha Shares Her Favorite Billboard Music Awards Moment & More | Billboard Music Awards 2023

Bebe Rexha shares her favorite Billboard Music Awards moment, talks about her fans’ reaction to her hit with David Guetta “I’m Good” and more. The 2023 Billboard Music Awards are presented by Marriott Bonvoy.

Bebe Rexha:
I love you. You’re so awesome. Just seeing the fans embrace “I’m Good” in the way that they have has been such an incredible journey. And I think this is an incredible moment to do something that I’ve never done before, and it’s so different and it’s kind of like my gift to my fans to say thank you.

My favorite Billboard Music Award memory is definitely winning the award for “Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line. I grew up watching the Billboard Awards, and finally being able to win one was such a special moment for me — it was like a full circle moment, winning a Billboard Music Award. It means a lot to me because it is a reflection of where your song lies on the charts. And you know, working so hard in this industry and getting the recognition is really awesome. I know I just get excited to you know, get my award, and whenever it comes over, they can see it. I’m like, “Yeah, b—h. That’s mine.”

I’m so excited to you know, see my most loyal fans and have them support me and be out here tonight and to have this moment with them and to enjoy their energy, and hopefully, they love my energy and we can just have a wonderful love fest. I think with my fans, they always shows support — they’ll fly out from, like, different countries to come see me.

19 Nov 2023

Iann Dior On Secret to Social Media Success & Supporting Landon Barker | Billboard No. 1 BBMAs Party

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