The nominees were announced on April 11, 2016, with The Weeknd earning the most nominations with twenty.Britney Spears received the Billboard Millennium Award. Celine Dion received the Billboard Icon Award in recognition of her career spanning over three decades.Madonna made an appearance to pay tribute to Prince. Adele premiered the music video for her single “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” at the ceremony. The Weeknd won the most awards on the night with eight, followed by Adele with five, who won Top Artist.
The Christian and Gospel artists fared as follows
Top Christian Artist:
- Casting Crowns
- Lauren Daigle
- Hillsong United — WINNER
- MercyMe
- Chris Tomlin
The 20-year music veteran took home three awards for Top Gospel Artist, Top Gospel Album for his latest release, LOSING MY RELIGION, and Top Gospel Song for “Wanna Be Happy?”
“After 20 years, it’s just humbling to be nominated with so many new, fresh and iconic gospel artists of our time, I thank God for trusting me with music that still speaks to people today.”
Top Gospel Artist:
- Anthony Brown and group therAPy
- Tasha Cobbs
- Kirk Franklin — WINNER
- Travis Greene
- Marvin Sapp