the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards broadcast on March 14, 2021. [Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Recording Academy]Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The 2021 Billboard Music Awards wrapped just a few days ago, and while the latest iteration of the chart company’s annual show wasn’t exactly typical, it was a historic evening for one of the biggest acts in the global music industry. BTS took home every honor they were up for, nearly doubling their total number of BBMA trophies in one evening. The seven-member vocal managed to make history in every area they were nominated in, and they stand out as one of the biggest winners of the night.
Here are eight ways BTS made history at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards.
Second-Most Top Duo/Group Wins
BTS took home Top Duo/Group, beating fellow bands AC/DC, AJR, Dan + Shay and Maroon 5, a lineup that shows how diverse the category can be when it comes to the kind of music they all make. 2021 marked the second time the South Korean superstars claimed the honor, and with one more trophy, they now stand out as just the fourth name to win more than once.
One Direction leads the way among all groups, as the boy band came out on top three times, while Imagine Dragons and Destiny’s Child also won it twice.
ForbesBillboard Music Awards 2021 Winners List: The Weeknd, Pop Smoke, Bad Bunny And BTS LeadBy Hugh McIntyre
Second-Most Top Social Artist Wins
Amazingly, only two artists have won the Top Social Artist Billboard Music Award, even though it’s now been given out for more than a decade. Justin Bieber snagged the honor the first six years it was offered, and BTS has earned it at each of the five shows since then. The septet only needs to collect one more prize to match the all-time record, and they likely will at the 2022 ceremony.
Second Group To Win Top Selling Song
BTS won Top Selling Song for their first Hot 100 No. 1 “Dynamite,” which easily ended 2020 as the bestselling track in the U.S. By claiming the honor, they became the second group to hear their name called, as Maroon 5 won the vertical two years back. Two other tracks that were named the champions were powered by collaborations between more than one solo musician, but those aren’t counted as proper bands.
ForbesBTS's 'Butter' Video May Be Well On Its Way To Making HistoryBy Hugh McIntyre
First Group To Win Top Selling Song Unaccompanied
The only other group to win Top Selling Song, Maroon 5, didn’t do so alone. The pop outfit’s “Girls Like You” was named a bestseller at the 2019 ceremony, with the band and Cardi B both receiving the honor. BTS didn’t need anyone else’s help to make “Dynamite” a massive sales success.
Fifth Group Nominated For Top Selling Song
Looking at all the songs that have been nominated for Top Selling Song throughout the years, only five groups have managed to compete in the category. In addition to BTS and Maroon 5, fellow bands Imagine Dragons, Twenty One Pilots and The Chainsmokers have all had a shot at winning, though the latter three haven’t yet come out on top.
First Group To Win Top Song Sales Artist
Only included in the Billboard Music Awards since 2016, Top Song Sales Artist recognizes those acts that sold the most copies of songs in the tracking period, as opposed to Top Selling Song, which looks at just which one tune actually sold the best. BTS made history as the first group to dominate this field.
ForbesBy Working With BTS Members, Several Korean Musical Stars Have Now Scored Bestsellers In AmericaBy Hugh McIntyre
Fifth Act To Win Top Song Sales Artist
Amazingly, BTS is just the fifth act of any kind to win Top Song Sales Artist at the Billboard Music Awards. They join The Weeknd, Lizzo, Ed Sheeran and Drake, who has already snagged the prize twice.
Fourth Group Nominated For Top Song Sales Artist
BTS may be the first band or group to win Top Song Sales Artist, but the K-pop titans aren’t the first to be nominated for the prize. The Chainsmokers, Twenty One Pilots and Imagine Dragons have also competed for the honor at least once.
TAYLOR SWIFT WINS TOP ARTIST AWARD AND TIES DRAKE WITH THE MOST BBMA WINS – EACH WITH A CAREER TOTAL OF 39 AWARDS
MORGAN WALLEN LEADS WITH 11 WINS
2023 BBMAs Featured Exclusive Performances by Mariah Carey, David Guetta and Bebe Rexha, KAROL G, Tate McRae, NewJeans, Peso Pluma, Stray Kids, and Morgan Wallen. Plus Special Appearances by Burna Boy, Coldplay, Lauren Daigle, Fuerza Regida, Selena Gomez, Jungkook, Latto, Metro Boomin, Nicki Minaj, Mark Ronson, Taylor Swift, CeCe Winans, and Zac Brown Band.
[EDITOR’S NOTE]: For show performances click here; for artist interviews click here.
For select show photos, click here; for additional Getty Photos click here.
LOS ANGELES, CA [November 19, 2023] – Tonight, Dick Clark Productions and Billboard celebrated the hottest names in music with the “2023 Billboard Music Awards” [BBMAs] Presented by Marriott Bonvoy. The reimagined awards show entertained fans with a celebration of music’s greatest achievements featuring bespoke performances by the world’s biggest chart-topping artists performing at unique locations across the globe, winner celebrations, and surprise moments. The show rolled out across BBMAs and Billboard social channels, as well as via BBMAs.watch.
Taylor Swift took home the coveted Top Artist award and a total of 10 trophies – bringing her career total to 39 wins. She now ties Drake as the most decorated BBMA winner of all time. In Swift’s acceptance speech she said, “The fact that you guys have given me 10 Billboard Awards… I’m talking to the fans specifically, none of this happens without you. Billboard base[s] everything off of what you are listening to and what you are passionate about, and I am so honored that this year you made “The Eras Tour” so magical. You went and saw the movie, you cared about my re-recordings…I love you so much, I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have you in my corner and caring about the music that I make, so thank you, thank you, thank you, 10 million times.”
Morgan Wallen took home the most trophies of the night with 11 wins – including Top Male Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Hot 100 Song, and more.
It was also a big night for Drake with 5 wins; SZA and Zach Bryan with 4 wins, and 21 Savage, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, and Miley Cyrus each with 3 wins. Plus, Anne Wilson, Arctic Monkeys, BLACKPINK, Burna Boy, CeCe Winans, Fuerza Regida, Joey Moi, Latto, Metro Boomin, NewJeans, Peso Pluma, Rema, Selena Gomez, and Stray Kids all received their first-ever win. In addition to performing, the Queen of Christmas and music icon Mariah Carey was honored with the Billboard Chart Achievement Award for the chart-topping holiday classic “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” which was presented to her by her children Roc and Roe.
This year’s show was an epic celebration of the fans who propelled their favorite artists to the top of the Billboard charts. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, BBMAs partnered with Spotify’s Fans First program, which used Spotify listener data to identify the performers’ most loyal fans and invited them to attend the intimate BBMA performances.
“2023 Billboard Music Awards” Show Highlights:
- Mariah Carey performed and was honored with the Chart Achievement Award for her record-breaking single “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” After dropping into the stage via a ski lift, the Queen of Christmas transported fans into a winter wonderland that featured dancers on skates and backup singers including her children, Roc and Roe. Directed by the legendary Debbie Allen, this marked the first time in history the iconic holiday anthem was performed on an award show. Carey’s children presented her with the award and addressed her fans saying, “I kinda have to admit that some of the most memorable times in my career have been connected to Billboard and the BBMAs. This award is particularly special to me because the song itself changed my entire life.” To her fans’ amusement she jokes, “When I first sat down to write “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” I never could have imagined that I would be standing here three months later accepting this special award. Thank you to everyone who let this song become part of their holiday soundtrack each year.”
- The top male winner of the night Morgan Wallen performed a hometown rendition of “‘98 Braves” at the Atlanta Braves’ current MLB home field, Truist Park, in Atlanta, Georgia. The energy in the audience was electric as former ‘98 Braves players were in attendance alongside many of Wallen’s biggest fans to watch the performance of the bittersweet ode. Wallen was presented his 11 BBMA trophies by former ‘98 Braves pitchers, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. In his emotional speech, Wallen shared, “You know like the song says, ‘You win some you lose some,’ the last award show I went to we came home empty-handed and this one – I don’t have enough hands for ‘em all.” Wallen ended with, “You took a boy from East Tennessee driving a two-door Toyota Tacoma and turned me into one of Billboard’s top artists so God Bless y’all.”
- Global Superstar KAROL G was the first featured performer who delivered a medley of “OJOS FERRARI” from her chart-topping Mañana Será Bonito album and “QLONA” from her latest album Mañana Será Bonito [Bichota Season] and “Labios Mordidos” which releases on November 23. Surrounded by fans from Spotify’s Fans First program, KAROL G delivered a sultry, soaking wet performance with her team of dancers on a custom built immersive water-filled stage under the creative direction of Parris Goebel. Following her performance KAROL G was presented with her awards for Top Latin Female Artist and Top Latin Touring Artist.
- Set in an industrial power plant, Bebe Rexha performed a powerhouse rendition of the BBMA Top Dance/Electric Song “I’m Good [Blue]” accompanied by a live string quartet. Rexha then made her way outside and joined David Guetta and her dancers for an electrifying performance of their latest collaboration “One in a Million,” while fans danced and sang along.
- K-Pop group NewJeans made their U.S. award show debut on the BBMAs, performing from a colorful and vibrant stage as fans sang along energetically to two of their chart-topping singles, “Super Shy” and “OMG.” The breakout K-Pop group also took home the trophy for Top Global K-Pop Artist.
- Breakout pop sensation Tate McRae made her Billboard Music Awards debut with a performance of her chart-topping single “greedy” from her forthcoming sophomore album THINK LATER. McRae’s performance was filmed at the Moxy Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, a part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotel brands. A select group of Marriott Bonvoy Members got to experience McRae’s performance first-hand by redeeming their points for access via Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, Marriott Bonvoy’s experiences platform.
- Música Mexicana singer-songwriter and first-time BBMA winner Peso Pluma performed “RUBICON” with his band in a boxing ring in front of his fans. Boxing legend Mike Tyson made a special appearance and presented Peso Pluma with his first-ever BBMA trophy for Top Latin Song for the chart-topping “Ella Baila Sola.”
- International K-Pop superstars Stray Kids also made their Billboard Music Awards debut with an action-packed performance from South Korea of their hit single “S-Class” and the award show debut of “LALALALA,” from the group’s newly released EP ROCK-STAR. Performing in front of their biggest fans on an elevated stage, Stray Kids delivered an energetic performance complete with pyrotechnics and dynamic choreography. Following their performance the group accepted their first BBMA win for Top K-Pop Album for “5-STAR.”
- In celebration of 50 years of Hip-Hop, the BBMAs featured exclusive one-on-one interviews with Ludacris, T.I. and Jermaine Dupri. The hip-hop legends talked about their personal achievements and their own respective top 100, top 10, and top No. 1 hits.
For nearly 30 years, the “Billboard Music Awards” has showcased spectacular performances, unexpected collaborations, and buzzworthy pop culture moments. Unique among music award shows, winners are determined by year-end performance metrics on the Billboard charts, the music industry’s ultimate authority and data-driven measure of success. The eligibility dates for this year’s awards are aligned with Billboard’s Year-End Charts tracking period, which measures music consumption from the charts dated November 19, 2022 through October 21, 2023.
Follow the BBMAs on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and YouTube, join the conversation with
BBMAs and get the latest news and updates at BillboardMusicAwards.com and BBMAs.watch.
The “2023 Billboard Music Awards” is presented by Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s award-winning travel program and marketplace. One special BBMAs performance and two exclusive acceptance speeches were hosted at extraordinary hotel brands within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy provided a select group of fans access to attend five BBMAs performances via Marriott Bonvoy Moments.
Other sponsors include Lexus, who surprised one lucky fan with the ultimate VIP treatment. In addition to having the best seat in the house, they Experienced Amazing with a private ride in a luxury Lexus vehicle to the one-of-a-kind performance.
The “2023 Billboard Music Awards” Presented by Marriott Bonvoy is produced by Dick Clark Productions.
About Dick Clark Productions Dick Clark Productions is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming including the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” from 19 Entertainment and DCP, and “Streamy Awards.” Dick Clark Productions owns one of the world’s most extensive and unique entertainment archive libraries with more than 60 years of award-winning shows, historic specials, performances, and legendary programming. Dick Clark Productions is a Penske Media company. For more information, please visit www.DickClark.com.
About Billboard Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, thought leadership, multi-platform storytelling and world class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning 15 countries and published in 10 languages. The prestigious Billboard Music Awards are the only premium awards ceremony that recognize musicians for their undeniable achievements on the Billboard charts, using pure data to determine the winners, rather than relying on opaque committees or undisclosed voters to select the honorees giving fans maximum impact at each year’s ceremony, as Billboard’s chart data measures fans’ engagement with their favorite music. Billboard’s other premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Latin Music Week, and Billboard Live, which connects the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all cultures and corners of the globe.
About Marriott Bonvoy® Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
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THE “2023 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS” WINNERS [COMPLETE LIST]:
ARTIST AWARDS
Top Artist
Taylor Swift
Top New Artist
Zach Bryan
Top Male Artist
Morgan Wallen
Top Female Artist
Taylor Swift
Top Duo/Group
Fuerza Regida
Top Billboard 200 Artist
Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Artist
Morgan Wallen
Top Hot 100 Songwriter
Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Producer
Joey Moi
Top Streaming Songs Artist
Morgan Wallen
Top Radio Songs Artist
Taylor Swift
Top Song Sales Artist
Taylor Swift
Top Billboard Global 200 Artist
Taylor Swift
Top Billboard Global [Excl. U.S.] Artist
Taylor Swift
Top R&B Artist
SZA
Top R&B Male Artist
The Weeknd
Top R&B Female Artist
SZA
Top R&B Touring Artist
Beyoncé
Top Rap Artist Drake
Top Rap Male Artist
Drake
Top Rap Female Artist Nicki Minaj
Top Rap Touring Artist
Drake
Top Country Artist
Morgan Wallen
Top Country Male Artist Morgan Wallen
Top Country Female Artist
Taylor Swift
Top Country Duo/Group Zac Brown Band
Top Country Touring Artist
Morgan Wallen
Top Rock Artist Zach Bryan
Top Rock Duo/Group
Arctic Monkeys
Top Rock Touring Artist
Coldplay
Top Latin Artist
Bad Bunny
Top Latin Male Artist
Bad Bunny
Top Latin Female Artist
KAROL G
Top Latin Duo/Group
Fuerza Regida
Top Latin Touring Artist
KAROL G
Top Global K-Pop Artist
NewJeans
Top K-Pop Touring Artist
BLACKPINK
Top Afrobeats Artist Burna Boy
Top Dance/Electronic Artist
Beyoncé
Top Christian Artist Lauren Daigle
Top Gospel Artist
Kanye West
ALBUM AWARDS
Top Billboard 200 Album
Morgan Wallen “One Thing At A Time”
Top Soundtrack
“Barbie The Album”
Top R&B Album
SZA “SOS”
Top Rap Album Drake & 21 Savage “Her Loss”
Top Country Album
Morgan Wallen “One Thing At A Time”
Top Rock Album
Zach Bryan “American Heartbreak”
Top Latin Album
Bad Bunny “Un Verano Sin Ti”
Top K-Pop Album
Stray Kids “5-STAR”
Top Dance/Electronic Album
Beyoncé “Renaissance”
Top Christian Album
Anne Wilson “My Jesus”
Top Gospel Album
Maveric City Music x Kirk Franklin “Kingdom Book One” SONG AWARDS
Top Hot 100 Song
Morgan Wallen “Last Night”
Top Streaming Song
Morgan Wallen “Last Night”
Top Radio Song
Miley Cyrus “Flowers”
Top Selling Song
Taylor Swift “Anti-Hero”
Top Collaboration
Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage “Creepin’”
Top Billboard Global 200 Song
Miley Cyrus “Flowers”
Top Billboard Global [Excl. U.S.] Song
Miley Cyrus “Flowers”
Top R&B Song
SZA “Kill Bill”
Top Rap Song
Drake & 21 Savage “Rich Flex”
Top Country Song
Morgan Wallen “Last Night”
Top Rock Song
Zach Bryan “Something in the Orange”
Top Latin Song
Eslabon Armado x Peso Pluma “Ella Baila Sola”
Top Global K-Pop Song Jungkook ft. Latto “Seven”
Top Afrobeats Song
Rema & Selena Gomez “Calm Down”
Top Dance/Electronic Song
David Guetta & Bebe Rexha “I’m Good [Blue]”
Top Christian Song
Brandon Lake “Gratitude”
Top Gospel Song CeCe Winans “Goodness of God”
TOTAL WINS BY ARTIST [In Numerical Order]
Morgan Wallen [11]: Top Male Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Streaming Songs Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist, Top Country Touring Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Country Album, Top Hot 100 Song, Top Streaming Song, Top Country Song
Taylor Swift [10]: Top Artist, Top Female Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Hot 100 Songwriter, Top Radio Songs Artist, Top Song Sales Artist, Top Billboard Global 200 Artist, Top Billboard Global [Excl. U.S.] Artist, Top Country Female Artist, Top Selling Song
Drake [5]: Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Male Artist, Top Rap Touring Artist, Top Rap Album, Top Rap Song
SZA [4]: Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Female Artist, Top R&B Album, Top R&B Song
Zach Bryan [4]: Top New Artist, Top Rock Artist, Top Rock Album, Top Rock Song
21 Savage [3]: Top Rap Album, Top Collaboration, Top Rap Song
Bad Bunny [3]: Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Male Artist, Top Latin Album
Beyoncé [3]: Top R&B Touring Artist, Top Dance/Electronic Artist, Top Dance/Electronic Album
Miley Cyrus [3]: Top Radio Song, Top Billboard Global 200 Song, Top Billboard Global [Excl. U.S.] Song