2016 Billboard Music Awards: The Best, Worst and Weirdest Moments of the Night
The Billboard Music Awards kicked off in Las Vegas on Sunday night, where some of the biggest names in music came out to deliver some powerful, emotional and wildly entertaining performances. But not every star could shine bright, which left viewers with some almost inexplicably strange moments.
From Celine Dion proving the show must go on to Ciara proving that maybe her co-host, Ludacris, should have handled more of the emcee duties, here are some of the best, worst and weirdest moments from the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.
MORE: 2016 Billboard Music Awards -- The Complete Winners List
THE BEST
1. Celine Dion Rules the Stage
In her first televised performance since the death of her husband, Rene Angelil, Dion was honored with the Icon Award and delivered a powerful, fierce rendition of Queen's single "The Show Must Go On."
The singer's bold delivery -- as well as her tearful acceptance speech -- solidified her position as the night's biggest highlight.
WATCH: Celine Dion on Emotional BBMAs Honor and Son's Surprise
2. Kesha's Stunning Cover
Rocking a conservative country western ensemble, Kesha delivered an emotionally charged cover of Bob Dylan's 1964 classic "It Ain't Me, Babe," accompanied by Ben Folds on piano and violinist Rob Moose. The touching performance -- which almost didn't even happen -- elicited a standing ovation from the audience.
3. Rihanna Shows Her True Vocal Talent
Rihanna's stripped-down vocals and raw, emotional delivery of her ballad "Love on the Brain," stood out among many of the more explosive, flashy performances of the night. And her seafoam green, fur-lined black pantsuit would have won her a spot on the best list by itself.
PHOTOS: 2016 Billboard Music Awards Red Carpet Arrivals
4. The End of Britney Spears's Performance
Spears kicked off the awards show and, after a very rocky start, the "Toxic" singer got into her stride, delivering what was basically the song list from her Las Vegas residency show, but in medley form. However, the singer showed off the results of her hard work, flaunting her flawless physique across the stage and looking the best she's looked in years.
5. Fans Losing Their Minds Over Justin Bieber
When Bieber came out to perform "Sorry," some of his fans in the audience absolutely lost their minds, like The Biebs was The Beatles playing Dodger Stadium in 1966. Seriously, there were some fans literally crying in their seats to see a 22-year-old walk around a stage while his backup dancers worked their hearts out.
NEWS: Justin Bieber Electrifies Billboard Music Awards With High-Energy Performance
THE WORST
1. Ciara as Host
The "Dance Like We're Making Love" singer served as the night's co-host alongside Furious 7 star Ludacris. Yet, for reasons beyond comprehension, they let Ciara do almost all of the talking. No one's questioning her musical talents, but maybe next time they should let the charming movie star carry the bulk of the show.
2. Keeping a Secret from Celine Dion
As Dion came up to accept her Icon Award, presenter Seal revealed that they had a surprise guest to actually give her the trophy. That surprise turned out to be her eldest son, Rene-Charles, and it was clear from the look on her face that Dion was legitimately unaware that this was going to happen. It was a sweet moment, but no one keeps a secret from Celine Dion! No one!
3. The beginning of Britney Spears's Performance
We've already established that Spears' explosive opening number got really good, but it started off really, really bad. She came out in a red suit and danced to "Work B**ch" like a robot who forgot the choreography that it was programmed to remember. However, it seems like maybe she just doesn't like dancing to that song because as soon as the medley moved on, Brit Brit found her groove.
WATCH: Kesha Receives Standing Ovation for Stunning, Emotional Bob Dylan Cover at BBMAs
THE WEIRDEST
1. Ariana Grande's Outfit
Grande's performance was as impressive as ever, but she rocked a half-jacket around her waist complete with straps and metal loops. The whole thing made her look like someone who escaped from of a very fashionable mental institution and had only partially gotten out of her black straitjacket.
2. Rihanna Dabbing During Prince Tribute
During Madonna's tribute to the late music icon, cameras cut to the "Work" singer, who apparently didn't realize this and decided that it was the perfect moment to dab. Maybe not the most appropriate timing. Or maybe that’s just how RiRi pays her respects.
3. Britney Writhing on the Guitar
While the beginning of her performance was terrible, and the rest was pretty great, watching the singer gyrate on a giant guitar that she rode like a mechanical bull in a dive bar was bizarre, but in kind of a really spectacular way.
NEWS: Madonna Brings Stevie Wonder Out for Emotional Prince Tribute
For more on Britney's rollercoaster of a Billboard Music Awards performance, check out the video below.
Related Gallery
