The Billboard Music Awards are one of the biggest nights in the music industry. Airing live on May 20^th on NBC, the nominations were just announced on April 17^th on the Today Show by singer Khalid. Some of the 57 categories of music include Top New Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist.

Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars are the top runners; each nominated for 15 BBMA’s. Cardi B has recently been dominating the industry, dropping her album “Invasion of Privacy” which earned her the title of the 5^th female rapper with a number 1 album. Cardi and Justin Bieber are tied with 8 nominations, and Bieber’s partners in “Despacito” Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee have been up for 7 each.

A veteran of the Billboard charts, Kelly Clarkson was announced as the host of the 2018 BBMAs; airing at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Clarkson has never hosted an award show before, but there’s no question she will rise to the occasion.

The only two fan-voted categories this year are the Billboard Chart Achievement Award and Top Social Artist, which will be open for the public to vote in the upcoming weeks. How these artists are nominated are based on the connection they have with their fans through their music. This includes streaming, album sales, radio play, touring, and social engagement which are tracked by Billboard.

No matter which kind of music you listen to, this award show will be full of entertainment in all genres. Some of the other nominees include Post Malone, Sam Hunt, Halsey, U2, BTS, and so many more. The three-hour telecast will feature this year’s hottest musical acts, biggest performances, unexpected collaborations, buzzworthy pop culture moments, and will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Billboard Hot 100.