The Weeknd has been announced as a performer for the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. The awards ceremony will air live from Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater on May 23 and will be hosted by Nick Jonas.
The Weeknd is the most nominated artist at this year’s Billboard Music Awards, leading with 16 nominations. The musician is up for Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album and Top R&B Album for After Hours. One of the project’s lead singles, “Blinding Lights,” is nominated in five categories, including Top Hot 100 Song, Top Streaming Song, Top Selling Song, Top Radio Song and Top R&B Song.
The Weeknd snagged a Top Latin Song nomination for “Hawái,” his collaboration with powerhouse Maluma. He is also nominated for Top R&B Artist overall and Top R&B Male Artist as well as Top Radio Songs Artist, Top Song Sales Artist, Top Streaming Songs Artist, Top Male Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist and Top Artist.
Since 2016, The Weeknd has been nominated for 37 Billboard Music Awards.
The wide spanning array of nominations is reflective of the unstoppable year The Weeknd experienced in 2020. The After Hours era has brought the pop and R&B singer his fourth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 as well as three No. 1 singles: “Blinding Lights,” “Heartless” and “Save Your Tears” thanks in part to a boost from an Ariana Grande-featuring remix.
After kicking off 2021 with a massive performance at the Super Bowl, The Weeknd has been eager to take the stage during awards season. In addition to the Billboard Music Awards, he will also be performing at the 2021 BRIT Awards. Though his performance will be remote due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the musician nevertheless will be providing a strong case for why he’s nominated for International Male Solo Artist at the ceremony.
Listen to the best of The Weeknd on Apple Music and Spotify.