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The 2016 Billboard Music Awards: Highlights

The 2016 Billboard Music Awards has wrapped up and insane doesn’t even begin to describe the star-studded event!

From Britney Spears‘ incredible opener to Madonna‘s heartwarming tribute to all the madness in between, there wasn’t one minute where the show didn’t make our jaw drop or eyes well up with tears. In case you were one of the unfortunate souls who missed out on all the fun, don’t sweat it! Celeb Secrets has gathered up the night’s biggest moments so we can relive them just one more time!

2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS - Theatre - The "2016 Billboard Music Awards" broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images via ABC)
2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS – Theatre – The “2016 Billboard Music Awards” broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images via ABC)

Britney Spears’ Medley

Britney Spears took a vintage spin for her performance as she sang her chart-topping hits including “Toxic,” “Womanizer,” and “Slave 4 U,” all while sporting a ruby-red number. It literally felt like a blast from the past! After years of dominating the industry and giving birth to two boys, this Louisiana native still has the talent and the looks!

2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS - Theatre - The "2016 Billboard Music Awards" broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Jeff KravitzGetty Images via ABC) JUSTIN BIEBER
2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS – Theatre – The “2016 Billboard Music Awards” broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Jeff KravitzGetty Images via ABC)

Justin Bieber

Giving us no time to recover from the surge of nostalgia Spears shocked us with, Justin Bieber hit the stage, keeping the upbeat vibe going strong. The “Company” singer looked better than ever with his freshly trimmed hair and his awesome dance moves. The stage was bedazzled with 3D graphics that did well to mirror Bieber’s energetic stage presence. Justin walked away a double winner for two awards including “Top Male Artist” which featured many big-named nominees such as Drake and The Weeknd.

2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS - Theatre - The "2016 Billboard Music Awards" broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images via ABC) BLAKE SHELTON, GWEN STEFANI
2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS – Theatre – The “2016 Billboard Music Awards” broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images via ABC)

Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani

This lovely couple stole the show completely when they decided to team up for a duet. The Voice‘s Blake Shelton took to the stage with his lady Gwen Stefani and gave a breathtaking performance of “Go Ahead and Break My Heart”. You could feel the chemistry between the two as they couldn’t keep their eyes off each other the entire time. Too cute!

Adele Debuts “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” Music Video

One of the most anticipated events of the night would have to be Adele‘s big music video debut for “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)”. Adele didn’t stray from her classic ways. She kept it simple yet elegant throughout the video. Despite it being a 3 minute clip of the powerhouse singer dancing in a pitch black room with awesome effects, her music and overall aesthetic kept us intrigued from start to finish. The British babe’s album 25 took home the award for “Top Billboard 200 Album.”

2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS - Theatre - The "2016 Billboard Music Awards" broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images via ABC)
2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS – Theatre – The “2016 Billboard Music Awards” broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images via ABC)

Kesha Makes An Emotional Return

Throughout the week leading up to the awards, it was unclear whether or not Kesha would be able perform at the ceremony after Dr. Luke tried to stop her in fear that she would publicly say or do something to besmirch his (already ruined) name. Fortunately, it went through and she totally slayed! The “Tik Tok” songstress gave a moving performance as she sang her own rendition of Bob Dylan‘s 1964 tune “It Ain’t Me Babe”. The crowd welcomed the star with open arms and praised her with a standing ovation as she closed out her set with a strong finish and teary eyes.

2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS - Theatre - The "2016 Billboard Music Awards" broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images via ABC)
2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS – Theatre – The “2016 Billboard Music Awards” broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images via ABC)

Demi Lovato Stands Up For LGBT Rights

Demi Lovato is one of the artists that can never disappoint. Her persistent attitude to make a change was clearer than ever as she wore a statement shirt featuring an inclusive bathroom symbol, taking a stab at North Carolina’s recent law addressing LGBT rights and the ongoing controversy between transgender people and the bathrooms they choose to use. The “Really Don’t Care” vocalist is currently on tour with Nick Jonas and has recently decided to cancel shows in North Carolina to protest the state’s decision.

2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS - Theatre - The "2016 Billboard Music Awards" broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images via ABC)
2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS – Theatre – The “2016 Billboard Music Awards” broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images via ABC)

Celine Dion

In the midst of drama, Dion sang Queen‘s “The Show Must Go On” while keeping her stature calm and stronger than ever. She sported a shimmering dress and was backed by a hard-hitting orchestra. Earlier this year Dion lost her husband and brother within the same week, making this her first televised performance since. In addition to her amazing performance, Dion’s son presented her the Billboard’s highest honor – the ICON award.

2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS - Theatre - The "2016 Billboard Music Awards" broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images via ABC) STEVIE WONDER, MADONNA
2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS – Theatre – The “2016 Billboard Music Awards” broadcast airs live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT on ABC. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images via ABC)

Madonna & Stevie Wonder Pay Homage To Prince

Madonna wrapped up the event with an epic medley of the late Prince‘s biggest hits. Sitting pretty on a violet throne, the “Vogue” singer kicked off the tribute with her version of “Nothing Compares 2 U”. A video montage of  Prince was projected behind the pop queen. With a little help from Stevie Wonder himself, the two sang “Purple Rain” as the audience chimed along. The two pulled off one of the most emotional, heartbreaking performances that we’ve seen in a long while. There was not one dry eye in the entire arena!

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