The 2024 Billboard Music Awards was a dazzling celebration of iconic musical talents, unforgettable performances, and groundbreaking achievements. Hosted by the charismatic Michelle Buteau, the two-hour event was packed with energy, humor, and electrifying performances. Coldplay’s soul-stirring rendition of A Sky Full of Stars, Megan Moroney’s heartfelt country ballad, and Stray Kids’ high-octane stage presence were just a few highlights of the star-studded evening.
A significant milestone this year was the introduction of three new categories: Hard Rock Artist, Hard Rock Album, and Hard Rock Song, earning widespread praise for recognizing diverse genres.
It’s safe to say it was Taylor Swift’s night, as she stole the spotlight with 10 wins, solidifying her status as a global music icon. Zach Bryan followed closely with five wins, while Morgan Wallen claimed four, further cementing their dominance in country and folk music. Sabrina Carpenter, a rising pop sensation, nailed the nominations with an impressive nine nods, showcasing her breakout year.
Equally exciting were the fresh faces making their debut on the nominee list. Newcomers like Shaboozey, Benson Boone, Tyla, Teddy Swims, and Chappell Roan brought fresh energy to the competition, signaling a bright future for the next generation of musical taalents.
From record-breaking wins to awe-inspiring performances, the 2024 Billboard Music Awards celebrated the best of music, proving yet again why it remains one of the most anticipated nights in entertainment.
Here’s a breakdown of the winners in each category with a brief background on their success:
Top Artist: Taylor Swift
Taylor dominated 2024 with the Eras Tour, breaking records globally. Her re-recorded albums (Speak Now [Taylor’s Version] and 1989 [Taylor’s Version]) solidified her cultural impact. Her ability to engage fans across multiple platforms and genres made her the ultimate winner.
Top New Artist: Ice Spice
Ice Spice emerged as a cultural force with viral hits like Munch (Feelin’ U) and high-profile collaborations, including Karma (Remix) with Taylor Swift. Her unique rap style and appeal to Gen Z audiences led to her meteoric rise.
Top Billboard 200 Album: Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department
This album was praised for its intricate storytelling and expansive production, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike. It topped the Billboard 200 for weeks, cementing its success.
Top Hot 100 Song: Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Miley’s empowering anthem dominated airwaves globally, breaking Spotify streaming records. Its themes of independence and self-love struck a chord with listeners.
Top Streaming Song: SZA – Kill Bill
SZA’s Kill Bill became a viral sensation, driven by its revenge-inspired lyrics and TikTok popularity. The song’s emotional depth connected deeply with fans, keeping it atop streaming platforms.
Top Collaboration: Ice Spice & Nicki Minaj – Princess Diana
The collaboration combined Ice Spice’s fresh style with Nicki’s legendary presence, creating a viral hit that dominated social media and charts alike.
Top Duo/Group: BTS
Despite solo projects from members, BTS remained a symbol of unity and excellence in K-pop, fueled by their record-breaking music releases and unwavering fanbase.
Top Male Artist: Drake
Drake’s For All The Dogs showcased his versatility with emotional storytelling and chart-topping hits, reaffirming his dominance in hip-hop and pop.
Top Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Her record-breaking achievements, including historic streaming numbers and sold-out stadiums, made her an obvious choice for this category.
Top Country Artist: Morgan Wallen
With hits like Last Night and his album One Thing at a Time, Wallen dominated country charts and crossed over into mainstream success.
Top Country Album: Zach Bryan – Zach Bryan
Bryan’s introspective and raw songwriting captivated country and folk audiences, earning him widespread acclaim.
Top Rock Artist: Zach Bryan
Blending rock, country, and Americana, Bryan’s crossover appeal propelled him to success in multiple genres.
Top Rock Album: Noah Kahan – Stick Season
Kahan’s heartfelt lyrics and folk-rock fusion struck a deep chord with fans, making this album a standout.
Top Latin Artist: Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny continued redefining Latin music with innovative albums and global hits, leading the Latin music renaissance.
Top Latin Album: Bad Bunny – nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana
This introspective and experimental album broke streaming records while showcasing Bad Bunny’s growth as an artist.
Top Afrobeats Artist: Tyla
Tyla’s Water became an international hit, showcasing her as a rising force in the Afrobeats genre with fresh melodies and vibrant performances.
Top Afrobeats Song: Rema & Selena Gomez – Calm Down
This global hit blended Afrobeats with pop, creating one of the year’s most-streamed songs and cementing Rema as a key player in the genre.
Top Dance/Electronic Artist: Charli XCX
Known for pushing boundaries in pop and electronic music, Charli’s experimental sound and collaborations made her the standout in this category.
Top K-Pop Artist: Jung Kook
BTS’s Jung Kook shined as a solo artist with hits like Seven, blending pop, R&B, and K-pop elements to capture a global audience.
Top Soundtrack: Trolls: Band Together
With a star-studded tracklist and upbeat songs, this soundtrack connected with both kids and adults, making it a Billboard favorite.
Top R&B Artist: SZA
SZA’s SOS revolutionized modern R&B, with emotional storytelling and standout hits like Kill Bill and Snooze dominating charts.
Top R&B Album: SZA – SOS
Her sophomore album expanded on her unique sound, blending R&B, pop, and hip-hop into a critically acclaimed masterpiece.