You can blame it on Covid-19, but award shows have seem to lost their steam amid a traumatized society that has become impatient with the gloating rich. Not everyone is envious of the wealthy and famous, yet social media and the latest news headlines are more than substantial proof that a lot of people are hurting and projecting that pain onto others.
There’s no mystery why the ratings for the 2021 Oscars were not as high as it has been in the past — the viewership decreased by 14% from the previous year with only 5.1 million viewers, according to insights from Nielsen. The 2021 Grammy Awards also struggled to entertain with the CBS telecast hitting a historically low rating of 8.8 million viewers. With that said, there’s still an audience. As the ratings data is collected for the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, just from observation, it had to be one of the most hopeful award shows this year.
Not to hype the show up, but Billboard did an incredible job of not pandering to trending topics on social media and politically correct subject-matter enforced by anonymous gatekeepers. For once, viewers were able to celebrate a night of music that did not overdo the pushing of non-music related topics and personal beliefs. It wasn’t about skin color, sexuality, industry politics, and the disingenuous narratives that have been overdone in recent years.
For one night, Lena Waithe was a dope a** presenter in a fly a** suit, Machine Gun Kelly and Gabby Barrett were excited award winners, Alicia Keys was a true artist excelling at her craft. It was refreshing to see performances san the overly thirsty and desperate sexual sensationalism or lengthy personal politics that often plagued other award shows. Indeed, there were moments, yet these moments were not overwhelmingly unbearable. The Billboard Music Awards gave us music lovers a glimpse of hope that magic still exists.
Here are some standout moments of the 2021 Billboard Music Awards:
Doja Cat and SZA Put the “IT” in Lit
The ladies pair together for an incredible performance for their song “Kiss Me More.” Doja gave off Sade, Fka Twigs, and Bjork as she lit the futuristic set with mesmerizing dance routines and perfected vocals. Her mastery of entertaining is especially impressive in an era where music artists have relied on twerking and gimmicks to fool the masses. SZA equally quells the qualms of the rigid nerve with her sultry voice and addictive beauty. Needless to say, the performance was polarizing.
H.E.R. Holds Her Own While Channeling…Rihanna?
H.E.R. has been on one since her humble beginnings as a singing pianist that idolized Alicia Keys. Now, fully grown and in charge, the blossoming star was able to hold her own on a stage of attention-grabbing men — DJ Khaled and the Migos are professionals at commanding attention. Interestingly, H.E.R. was certainly channeling her inner Rih Rih with the side swooped bangs and ponytail, shades, and lipstick. It all made for an awe-inspiring performance of the DJ Khaled produced single “WE GOING CRAZY.”
Drake Accepts the Artist of the Decade Award With Family on Stage
It’s hard out here for a rapper. Drake has worked his butt off to deliver hits nearly every year of his rap reign and still it’s difficult for people to give the man his rightful props. Many have valid reasons, such as not sonically feeling his music or the ongoing allegation that he uses other people’s rhymes and styles as “inspiration.” Others simply jump on hate trains for the sake of being accepted on social media. It is what it is, but one thing that cannot be contested is the rapper’s work ethic and his longevity in the music industry. In an adorable moment of the award show, Drake joined his family members on stage to accept the Artist of the Decade Award. His 3-year-old son, Adonis, was in tow and he didn’t disappoint.
Alicia Keys Reminds Us Why She’s That Boss
Another artist that has overcame the unforgiving criticism and judgement of social media is Alicia Keys. No matter what you think you know about her, what’s evident is that she is a true artist and she takes her craft seriously. From piano to piano and song to song, the highly decorated singer showed us how to do this son!
Trae tha Truth Speaks His Truth While Accepting the Change Maker Award
One of the most memorable moments of the night, besides the Jonas Brothers reuniting on stage, occurred when Houston native Trae tha Truth received his Change Maker Award for his social justice and philanthropic efforts from the one and only Ms. Tina, also known as Tina Knowles-Lawson. Not only did he deliver an inspiring speech shouting out Houston, Texas, but he also brought much-needed awareness to the case of Breonna Taylor. It wasn’t overbearing or preachy. Just a naturally organic acknowledgment that came from a genuine space.
For a complete list of winners, go HERE.
