Kesha steals show at Billboard Music Awards — PHOTOS
Despite what everyone thought she would not do and could not do amid the allegations of sexual assault that she has leveled against her record label, Ke$ha pulled out a showstopping performance Sunday at the Billboard Music Awards.
Not nominated for any awards, the pop star took the T-Mobile Arena stage to cover Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe,” and it wasn’t her, but the crowd didn’t mind.
Showing more support for her, via cheers and applause, than Justin Bieber, whose records have consistently hit No. 1 this year, the crowd seemed to want her to know they felt her pain, performance and everything else.
She was initially barred from performing by her record label and her former mentor, Dr. Luke. They have been at odds since Ke$ha accused of the producer of drugging, sexually abusing and emotionally tormenting her.
Kesha wasn’t the only music icon to perform and be recognized at the awards show even though they haven’t released new music recently. Locals Celine Dion and Britney Spears both had their time to shine at the show.
Spears came out swinging, with a pre-rehearsed performance of a mash-up of her most popular songs, and Dion had an emotional performance that ended in tears after her son Rene-Charles presented her with the Icon Award.
The Caesars Palace headliner, who lost husband Rene Angelil in January after a long battle with cancer, said she wasn’t expecting the presenter to be her own kin.
Other, not new artists to be featured at the awards included Madonna and Prince. The ’80s queen of pop performed a tribute to the late musician just weeks after his death.
The Weeknd, the night’s big winner with eight awards, also offered a salute to Prince, dedicating his win to the late singer after accepting the first trophy of the night, in the Top Hot 100 artist category.
Demi Lovato’s performance of “Cool for the Summer” was among the night’s best. She made a statement by wearing a shirt featuring an inclusive bathroom symbol, taking a stance against North Carolina’s recent law addressing LGBT rights and bathroom use by transgender people. Lovato, who is on tour with Nick Jonas, recently canceled shows in North Carolina in protest of the state’s law.
Pink also impressed with her performance — featuring her signature high-flying moves — while she sang her new song, “Just Like Fire.” Ariana Grande and Rihanna — who won the fan-voted Billboard chart achievement award — were also highlights with strong vocals.
Bieber was a double winner, including a win for top male artist, beating The Weeknd, Drake, Ed Sheeran and Fetty Wap.
Adele’s best-seller “25” bested albums from Taylor Swift, Bieber, the Weeknd and Ed Sheeran for top Billboard 200 album. During the show, she premiered her music video for the single, “Send My Love (To Your New Lover).”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Contact Kimberly De La Cruz at kdelacruz@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find her on Twitter:@KimberlyinLV.
