It was a good start to the 2021 Billboard Music Awards for The Weeknd, as he took home the trophy for Top Hot 100 Artist at the start of the ceremony.
Presented the award by actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery, The Weeknd took the stage dressed in a long black trench coat with a simple suit on beneath, as fans in the background cheered. Kicking off the speech, the star started with a warm thank you to his fellow nominees — DaBaby, Drake, Dua Lipa and Pop Smoke — for their work over the last year.
“I’d like to thank my fellow nominees — it’s been a dark year, and you brought light and escape with you music, genius and brilliance,” he said, reading his speech off of his phone. “You deserve this award just as much as I do, if not more.”
The “Save Your Tears” singer went on to thank his team and his family for all of their support over the last year. In closing his speech, The Weeknd decided to offer one last thank you for a very different reason: “I’d like to thank God that I don’t have to wear that red suit anymore,” he said with a chuckle.
The Weeknd already took home seven awards Sunday in the non-televised categories he was nominated in, like Top Male Artist, Top Radio Songs Artist and more.
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