Kicking off the 2024 Billboard Music Awards tonight, the music industry looked to celebrate another year of performers like Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Linkin Park, and even Coldplay. Presented by Marriott Bonvoy, the awards decided to do things a little differently this year as they decided not to hold the ceremony in a massive venue. Instead, they settled with placing host Michelle Buteau in what appeared to be a small bar within the hotel. And looking at the performances, most ended up filmed in separate locations, leaving many fans confused and disappointed in the authenticity of some of the live performances.
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While the performances were recorded separately, the majority of the artists did their thing. Swims, specifically, showcased his vocals tremendously, per usual. the main issue fans took with the awards happened when they decided to do without the presenters. With singers already holding their awards, there was no moment of shock or awe that usually came with a live show. Online, fans voice their confusion for the program.
“This is the billboard MUSIC AWARDS, WHY ARE WE IN A BAR WHAT TF HAPPENED TO HAVING A STAGE AND TROPHIES AND ANNOUNCERS ON STAGE!!!!WHAT IS THIS.” One person wrote on X, “I am kinda confused by these Billboard Music Awards… Can’t see the moment artists win the awards, the performances are not live. What exactly is the point of this?”
BBMAs Shake Things Up, But Fans May Need More Time to Adapt
Although a time of celebration, some fans struggled to get past the production value even with a lineup of performances by stars like Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Linkin Park, and Tyla. “All the pre-recorded stuff is just not entertaining at all. The crowds, the announcements, and live performances made it fun. Why are we doing some kinda 2020—throwback?” another X user questioned.
That was just the start of the massive mountain of fan chatter that filled social media.
If that wasn’t enough, the Billboard Music Awards made one fan feel like they were back in 2020. “LITERALLY LIKE THIS IS NAWT MY BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS. This feels like lockdown era award shows why would they make this decision.”
LITERALLY LIKE THIS IS NAWT MY BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS. This feels like lockdown era award shows why would they make this decision😭😭😭😭😭😭
— ᴮᴱc⁷☆˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ always with bts ౨ৎ‧₊˚ ⋅ (@sunshinehope613) December 13, 2024
While some fans struggled to get past the unique approach that Billboard brought to the table this year, you could applaud their willingness to shake up the typical award show layout—something that has admittedly become rather stale in recent years.
(Photo by Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
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