Kesha received a standing ovation after her emotional performance at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (22.05.16).
The 29-year-old popstar – who last week was refused permission to sing at the ceremony because of her ongoing dispute with Dr. Luke – sang Bob Dylan’s 1964 hit ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’ at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas backed by a violinist and pianist and was applauded by the thrilled audience.
Following her performance, Kesha took to her Instagram to thank fans and said: "I’m so grateful for tonight and for the @billboardmusicawards_ for allowing me to sing. it’s my form of prayer. it my therapy. it literally reaches the untouched corners of my soul. thank you for having me. I have so much gratitude. thank you so f*****g much to my fans I have you to thank for tonight. thank you for having my back in a way no one ever has before. ugh so emotional….love u (sic)"
The ‘Tik Tok’ hitmaker was axed from the event earlier this week when Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe label – which she was prevented from leaving earlier this year despite her allegations she was abused by the producer – withdrew their permission for her to sing.
However, the record company restored approval after gaining "reassurance" there would be no mention of the court battle.
Meanwhile, The Weeknd was the big winner of the night scooping eight awards in total including Top Hot 100 Artist and Top R&B Artist at the event and dedicated his Top Hot 100 Artist victory to the late music icon Prince who died last month.
Adele accepted the top honour of the night – Billboard’s Top Artist – via video link and also took home Top Billboard 200 Album for her LP ’25’, Top Female Atrist, Top Billboard 200 Artist and Top Selling Song for the track ’25’.
In addition, Drake was named Top Rap Artist, Justin Bieber Top Male Artist and twenty one pilots Top Rock Artist.
Performances on at the music extravaganza came from Celine Dion, who sang ‘The Show Must Go On’ for her late husband Rene Angelil and broke down in tears as her 15-year-old Rene Charles presented her with the Icon Award, Billboard’s lifetime achievement honour.
Fifth Harmony sang ‘Work From Home’ with Ty Dolla $ign, Meghan Trainor belted out her single ‘No’ and Pink delivered the world television debut of her latest single ‘Just Like Fire’.
Madonna and Stevie Wonder also performed a tribute to Prince and sang his hit ‘Let’s Go Crazy’, whilst Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani delivered a romantic performance of ‘Go Ahead and Break My Heart’.
Complete list of the winners:
Top Rap Artist:
Drake
Top Artist:
Adele
Billboard Chart Achievement Award (Fan-Voted):
Rihanna
Top R&B Song:
The Weeknd, "The Hills"
Top Billboard 200 Album:
Adele, 25
Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber
Top Country Song:
Thomas Rhett, "Die A Happy Man"
Top Hot 100 Song:
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, "See You Again"
Top Hot 100 Artist:
The Weeknd
Top New Artist:
Fetty Wap
Top Female Artist:
Adele
Top Duo/Group:
One Direction
Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Adele
Top Song Sales Artist:
The Weeknd
Top Radio Songs Artist:
The Weeknd
Top Streaming Songs Artist:
The Weeknd
Top Social Media Artist:
Justin Bieber
Top Touring Artist:
Taylor Swift
Top R&B Artist:
The Weeknd
Top Rap Artist:
Drake
Top Country Artist:
Luke Bryan
Top Rock Artist:
twenty one pilots
Top Latin Artist:
Romeo Santos
Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
David Guetta
Top Christian Artist:
Hillsong United
Top Gospel Artist:
Kirk Franklin –
Top Soundtrack:
Pitch Perfect 2
Top R&B Album:
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind the Madness
Top Rap Album:
Meek Mill, Dreams Worth More Than Money
Top Country Album:
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Top Rock Album:
twenty one pilots, Blurryface
Top Latin Album:
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Top Dance/Electronic Album:
Zedd, True Colors
Top Christian Album:
Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be
Top Gospel Album:
Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion
Top Selling Song:
Adele, "Hello"
Top Radio Song:
Walk the Moon, "Shut Up and Dance"
Top Streaming Song (Audio):
The Weeknd, "The Hills"
Top Streaming Song (Video):
Silentó, "Watch Me"
Top Rap Song:
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, "See You Again"
Top Rock Song:
Walk the Moon, "Shut Up And Dance"
Top Latin Song:
Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, "El Perdon" — WINNER
Top Dance/Electronic Song:
Major Lazer & DJ Snake Featuring MØ, "Lean On" — WINNER
Top Christian Song:
Hillsong UNITED, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"
Top Gospel Song:
Kirk Franklin, "Wanna Be Happy?"