Drake wins a record 13 Billboard Music Awards

Canadian rapper Drake clinched a record 13 wins at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, surpassing Adele’s previous record of 12 awards in 2012. “I want to say, hold tight Adele, because when a new thing drops you’ll be back to get the record back,”  the recording artist said in his accepting speech at the star-studded event held in Las Vegas. Drake was nominated in 13 categories, everyone of which he ended up winning including top artist, top male artist and top rap album. Beyonce and Twenty One Pilots each won five awards, although they were not present at the ceremony. The Chainsmokers took four, including top collaboration and top hot 100 song for “Closer” with Halsey. Blake Shelton won the award for top country artist, while top country song award went to Florida Georgia Line. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake earned the award for top selling song and top radio song. The Icon Award for achievement in music went to Cher, 71, who gave a heartfelt speech after performing two of her biggest hits -- “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time”. In her accepting speech, Cher said, “I want to thank my mom because when I was really young, my mom said ‘You’re not going to be the smartest. You’re not going to be the prettiest. You’re not going to be the most talented, but you’re going to be special.’” Hosted by hip-hop artist Ludacris and former High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgins, the three-hour show featured performances by Miley Cyrus, the Chainsmokers, Nicki Minaj and Imagine Dragons.