The Grammy Awards are determined by industry officials; while the American Music Awards are a fan voted award, but the Billboard Music Award winners are determined by record sales, radio airplay, and streaming.

The 2022 Billboard Music Awards returns with Diddy serving as host and opens the show with a performance.

From the MGM Grand, Diddy noted that he did not like award shows because they were boring but this year he is the executive producer and plans to make it a fun night…tapping into their inner seven year old.  Saying that he is returning to making music, Diddy called it his coming out party.  Diddy tells everyone that there will be no boring wins tonight but for everyone to tap into their winergy.

The first award of the night went to Doja Cat for Top Rap Artist of the Year.

Silk Sonic take the stage for a performance.

Country artist Laney Wilson presents the award for Top Rap Female Artist of the Year to Megan Thee Stallion who sat for several seconds with a very shocked look on her face before taking the stage.

Raoul Alexander takes the stage for a performance.

The award for Top Rock Artist went to Glass Animals.

Florence + the Machine give a performance.

The award for Top Country Duo or Group went to Dan + Shay.

Elle King and Miranda Lambert pair up for a performance of “Drunk and I Don’t Wanna Go Home”.  They are the first female duo to hit number one on the Billboard Country Chart in 30 years.

Saying they celebrate women who stand up, Diddy presented an award to Tomika Mallory for her work in social justice and freedom.  Noting that while they arrested the person who killed 10 people, they did not arrest the hate.

Platinum selling Rap artist Latto takes the stage to perform.

Top Dance or Electronic Album went to Illenium for “Fallen Embers”.  Ellenium noted that it was the first time he had won an award.

Country artist Morgan Wallen gives a performance.

Megan The Stallion performs.

Dan + Shay give a performance.

Glass Animals was presented with the first ever Pepsi Mic Drop award for their song “Heat Waves” that took 59 weeks from the time it entered the chart to reach the number one spot.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist and multiple Grammy Award winner Janet Jackson took the stage to present the 2022 Billboard Icon Music Award to May J Blige.  Blige has eleven Billboard Awards, nine Grammy Awards, and over 75 million albums sold.  H.E.R., Ellie Mai, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Taraji P. Henson were among those who spoke on Blige.  She is the first woman to be nominated for a music and acting award at the Academy Awards.  Blige spent several minutes thanking everyone beginning with God and ending with her fans.

Travis Scott gives a performance.

The Top Country Male Artist award went to Morgan Wallen.

Calling him the Crown Prince of Punk Rock, Diddy introduced Machine Gun Kelly who gave a performance. 

What began as fighting for awareness of a major clean water issue and turned into a major wave of activism, Miss Flint Mari Copeny was presented with the Billboard Change Award.  She is the first female and youngest person to receive the award.

On tour in Belfast, Norther Ireland, Ed Sheeran gives a performance before a packed arena.

The award for Top R&B Album went to Doja Cat for “Planet Her”.

Latin music star Becky G gives a performance.

In a 40th anniversary celebration, Maxwell pays tribute to Michael Jackson and “Thriller” with a performance of “Lady in My Life”.

Burna Boy closes out the night of music with a performance.