Best Looks and Moments From the 2020 Billboard Music Awards

We might be in a global pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped awards shows like the 2020 Billboard Music Awards (BMAs) from airing the annual honors and bringing us fashion moments and stellar performances. The BMAs aired Wednesday (Oct. 15) and we were treated to performances by Doja Cat, Alicia Keys, and John Legend. Lizzo shined bright as she won “Top Song Sales Artist Of The Year” and gave us one of favorite fashion looks from the evening. Her bare-shoulder dress was the perfect example of how to make a simple LBD extra sleek and sexy. And, being the woke woman she is, turned it into a major fashion statement. You might have seen Alicia Key’s name trending on your timeline. The record-breaking songstress donned a new, sleek look during her performance. Keys traded her cornrows and braids for a long bayang wig with a sparkly catsuit. We’ll get into that below.

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Taraji P. Henson gave us glistening thigh action and Doja Cat gave us a little more skin. And the men also came to shine. From Insecure’s Jay Ellis to Khalid — who won big last night — their style was a personification of their individual swag. Get into our favorite looks from the show, below:

1. Lizzo…

Lizzo gave us the bare shoulder in this little black dress with a big message. In case you haven’t visited her Instagram page lately, Auntie Sam –Lizzo’s sexy and feminine version of Uncle Sam — makes multiple appearances. The message: “Vote.” She used her acceptance speech, which she won for her song sales, to encourage fans to flex their voices by taking to the polls. She also bashed current political antics aimed to increase voter suppression: “I wonder would I be standing here right now if it weren’t for the big Black women who refused to have their voices be suppressed.”

Lizzo topped off her sexy look with a sleek high ponytail and waterfall bang.  

2. …And, Lizzo's Nails

Lizzo paired her “vote” polictical statement dress with matching nails.

3. Jay Ellis

“Insecure” star Jay Ellis looked absolutely scrumptious in a purple suit that showed he is as confident as he is stylish. Styled by Apuje, Ellis looked debonair in a Dzojchen suit, Louboutin boots and jewels by David Yurman.

The Billboard Music Award presenter rocked a fresh cut from Erik G The Barber and grooming by Jhizet. 

4. Khalid

Singer Khalid took home five Billboard Music Awards last night. Count em’ 5! But more so, we remember the moment he accepted his first award and how much we loved his bedazzled and beaded shirt. 

We thought it was a befitting ensemble for Billboard’s “Top R&B Artist.” Similar to Lizzo, he urged is fans to use their voice and remind them their voice matters. 

5. Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson has been showing off her body as of late and kept that trend going at the BMAs in a deep emerald Alexandre Vauthier gown that showed off her long legs and melanin. Taraji trusted her longtime hairstylist Tym Wallace whipped her red hair into a messy bob while Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks beat her face to perfection.

Taraji completed the look with Pierre Hardy shoes, jewelry by jewelry from Sanjay Kasliwal. 

6. Alicia Keys

As we mentioned earlier, Alicia Keys debuted a new look with long, bone-straight tresses and bangs — yes, the bayang. Moving away from her typically her more natural appearance, she completed the look, showing off her curves in a sparkly catsuit.

7. Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie looked elegant in a one-shoulder black gown with sheer peek-through details.

8. Swae Lee

Swae Lee wore straight-leg black pants with a graphic black and white shirt, but we were more focused on his Bantu knots — we can dig it!

9. Jharrel Jerome

The Emmy-winning actor for “How They See Us” presented the Top Female Artist at the show.

10. Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X is still making big waves with “Old Town Road” — this time with the remix version. He took home several awards for “Old Town Road (Remix)” including Hot 100 Song, Rap Song, and Top Streaming Song.

11. Sheila E. Opened the Show…

At 62-years-old, Sheila E. opened the show alongside Kelly Clarkson and Pentatonix performing “Higher Love.” The world-renowned drummer showed us that she still has skills — as if we didn’t know!

12. …And Looked Great Doing It

Can we also add that she looked golden during her performance?!

13. John Legend

John Legend dedicated his “Never Break” performance to Chrissy Teigen. “This is for Chrissy. We got a good thing, babe,” he sang. “Whenever life is hard, we’ll never lose our way.”

14. Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato’s performance was beautiful and her message was clear — VOTE!

15. Black Lives Matter

Messages on racial and social injustice were front and center throughout the evening.

16. Garcelle Beauvais

The model, real housewife, and “The Real” co-host brightened up the carpet this bright number with a high slit.

17. En Vogue

In Black don’t crack news, En Vogue looked stunning! The trio group showed that their look and songs are timeless, performing “Free Your Mind,” an appropriate song selection in a time where injustice and inequality are at the forefront of discussions. 

18. Lilly Singh

Lilly Singh paired a jeweled lapel cream and black pants suit with a jeweled Breonna Taylor mask.

19. Mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms

Mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms made a virtual appearance during the awards show.

20. Brandy

Brandy performed with Ty Dolla $ign in her first performance on the Billboard Music Awards.