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BLOG: What It’s Really Like to Attend the 2017 Billboard Music Awards

Summer is officially here and there is no better way to kick off the season than with the 2017 Billboard Music Awards

The show always falls the weekend before Memorial Day Weekend in the States, which is the unofficial kickoff of summer. When I was younger, I always watched the BBMAs at home with my friends and family. It got me in the summer mood — from the Vegas heat to watching artists perform their upbeat soon-to-be summer anthems, it was something I looked forward to watching each year.

When I started my profession as a journalist, one thing on my bucket list was to always attend the Billboard Music Awards. It always seemed like a blast on TV and to be in the same room as such talented artists would just be a dream come true. My goal became a reality last weekend when I jetted off to Vegas for the big day, and I’m here to tell you all about it.

I packed my things and headed to the airport with our other editor Jozie to fly to Las Vegas from New York. After a few flight delays, we finally arrived and explored the strip before the big day.

The BBMAs were held at the T-Mobile Arena for the second year in a row this year. Personally, this arena is one of my favorites because its easy to navigate! The magenta carpet set up is always super organized and the venue’s plaza, where the pre-show is held, is very clean. The fact that there’s a little shade is SUCH a bonus!

Celeb Secrets

Around 1:30pm, we arrived to the T-Mobile Arena and set up for interviews in our spot. The sun wasn’t beating down on us AND we had a great view of all the stars — it was so perfect!

At 2:00pm, the magenta carpet opened. From Vanessa HudgensLudacris, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack & Jack, BTS, and Camila Cabello to Florida Georgia LineSam Hunt, G-Eazy, Jason Derulo, and John Legendwe saw EVERYONE and they all looked so stunning 😍

Check out our looks from the BBMAs below… 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUaFBx-F2Vy/?taken-by=julietschroder

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUZwV2WlyGn/?taken-by=jozieschroder

One of my favorite parts of the day was getting to see some familiar faces on the magenta carpet. I’ve been working in this industry for seven and a half years now, so it’s always great to catch up with someone you’ve been working with for a while, as we all root for each other and hope for success.

The first interview of the day was the beauty guru Jessie PaegeWe talked all things beauty, fashion, summer plans and more!

I also caught up with Aidan Alexander and Forever In Your Mind to hear about their exciting projects that are in the works and the one thing they are looking forward to doing this summer.

I also had the chance to meet up with Lindsey Stirlingwho was already a WINNER before the show even started! The violinist took home the BBMA for Top Dance/Electronic Album award for Brave Enough. In addition to her win, Stirling presented BTS with their Top Social Artist award with fellow creator Logan Paul

“I already won! The award show hasn’t even started. How is that fair?! It’s awesome,” Lindsey told Celeb Secrets on the magenta carpet. “[Brave Enough] was very special to me because I was very open and vulnerable in it; it’s definitely the most vulnerable I’ve ever been in my music and I guess it worked.”

Out of all the interviews we did on the magenta carpet, my favorite had to be our quick chat with R5! It’s been a few years since I last saw Ross, Riker, Rocky, Rydel, and Ellington. They may have grown up and matured in their sound, however, their warm and funny personalities are still the same. They dished all about their new EP New Addicitions (which I absolutely LOVE) and what they are looking forward to most on their upcoming summer tour.

After the magenta carpet, Jozie and I made our way INSIDE the T-Mobile Arena for the live telecast. As expected, our seats were absolutely AMAZING and we couldn’t wait to watch all of the performances and see who won the most coveted awards!

Celeb Secrets

As expected, Drake broke the all-time record for most wins in a single night. Nominated for 22 awards at the BBMAs this year, the “Hotline Bling” singer took home 13 trophies for Top Artist, Top Male Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Song Sales Artist, Top Streaming Songs Artist, Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Tour, Top Rap Album, Top Streaming Song (Audio), Top R&B Song, and Top R&B Collaboration.

Our favorite performances of the night? Nicki Minaj‘s explosive 10-minute performance with Lil Wayne, David Guetta, and Jason Derulo as she performed a medley of “No Frauds,” “Light My Body Up,” “Swalla,” and “Regret In Your Tears,” Celine Dion‘s emotional tribute to the Titanic with “My Heart Will Go On,” Miley Cyrus‘ return to music with her “Malibu” television debut, and Florida Georgia Line and John Legend‘s sweet duet. The best performance of the night (that we’re still talking about) had to be Drake‘s. He performed live from the middle of the Bellagio fountains, surrounded by the world-famous water displays and equally powerful pyrotechnics. Everyone in the arena, and on the Vegas strip, were mesmerized as he navigated the scene while rapping “Gyalchester” off his new album More Life!

Vanessa Hudgens was pure GOALS at the BBMAs. Not only did she kill it as a host, did you see her outfit choices?! We still can’t get over her incredible pipes when singing Celine Dion AND the fact that Drake called her out during his speech for her beauty.

Thanks again to everyone at Billboard for an unforgettable night. Jozie and I had such an incredible time! Peace out Vegas, see you next year!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUcyhBLFQdU/?taken-by=julietschroder

Author

  • Juliet Schroder

    Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching sports and exploring the latest fashion trends. Juliet holds a B.S. in marketing from St. John's University.

Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching sports and…

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