Drake Decade.

The Billboard Music Awards returned with live music on Sunday (May 23). The ceremony took place outside of the Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater.

Some of this year’s honorees included Drake who was bestowed Top Streaming Artist of the year and was also honored the prestigious Artist Of The Decade Award. Drizzy was joined by his OVO family, parents, and his son Adonis during his acceptance speech.

The Weeknd took the most wins of the night with a total of 10 including Top 100 Artist Of The Year, Top Artist, Top Male Artist, and Top Radio Songs Artist. XO also dominated the R&B categories earning Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Album, and “Blinding Lights” receiving the Top 100 Song, Top Radio Song, and Top R&B Song awards.

Among the 2021 winners included DaBaby and Roddy Rich winning both Best Rap Song and Top Streaming Song for “Rockstar” and the late Pop Smoke with three awards (Top New Artist, Top Rap Male Artist, and Top Rap Album). The ladies had a triumphant night including Doja Cat who won Top R&B Female Artist and Megan Thee Stallion crowned as Top Rap Female Artist.

Outside the venue, DJ Khaled kicked off the BMAs with an explosive opener performing “We Going Crazy” along with H.E.R., the Migos and a live band including a trumpet ensemble.

Doja Cat and SZA brought Planet Her to the stage for an out of this world performance of their sultry duet, “Kiss Me More”. Backed by a futuristic army of dancers, stars, and orbiting planets, the pair brought sexy vibes to the intergalactic festivity.

In celebration of her debut album Songs In A Minor‘s 20 year anniversary, Alicia Keys took a soulful trip down memory lane with a three-song medley. Following a pre-taped introduction by Michelle Obama, AK hit the grand piano and performed “A Woman’s Worth”, “How Come You Don’t Call Me”, and “Fallin”.

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis made their rare appearance by paying tribute to their hometown of Minneapolis. Filmed from Prince’s Paisley Park, the legendary production duo conducted a virtual performance of “Optimistic” performed by Ann Nesby and Sounds Of Blackness.

Last but certainly not least, The Weeknd brought the big wheels out for his epic performance. Shot in downtown L.A., XO perched on top of a red convertible and lead a fleet of them through an empty parking lot. He later finished the set on foot as the cherry red drop-tops circled him along with white Benzes and semi trucks.