Background[edit]

Finalists and select winners of the 2021 Billboard Music Awards were based on Billboard charts and reports from March 21, 2020, to April 3, 2021. There are two fan-voted categories; Top Social Artist, and Top Collaboration.^[8] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no awards were given for any touring category, including Top Touring Artist.^[9] The ceremony was sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink, Security Benefit, Hot Tools, and Xfinity.^[10]


Nick Jonas was announced as the host of the ceremony on April 30, 2021.^[11] P!nk was announced as the recipient of the Billboard Icon Award and the first confirmed performer on May 4, 2021. She is the youngest recipient of the award to date, and succeeded Garth Brooks, who won the award in 2020. The award was presented by Jon Bon Jovi.^[12] Trae tha Truth was announced as the second recipient of the Change Maker Award on May 13, 2021. The award was presented by Tina Knowles-Lawson.^[13] In addition, Billboard has partnered with Trae and his non-profit organization, Angels by Nature, to create the awards show's first-ever non-fungible token (NFT). The sales opened up during the weekend of the ceremony, and all proceeds were donated towards the organization.^[14]


Although country singer Morgan Wallen earned six nominations this year, Billboard Music Awards producers announced that Wallen was not invited to attend the ceremony, due to a video released earlier this year by TMZ of him using a racial slur while with his friends in Nashville.^[15][16] In a statement, the production company noted, "Since his recent conduct does not align with our core values, we will not be including him on the show in any capacity (performing, presenting, accepting)."^[17] The company also stated that Wallen's nominations were solely based on his Billboard charts performance.^[18]


Billboard's Top Artists of the 2010s Decade list was officially revealed on May 11, 2021. Drake ranked at number one, and was honored with the Artist of the Decade Award. Taylor Swift, who ranked at number two overall, is the top female artist of the 2010s decade.^[19]


Unlike the 2020 ceremony, which had no fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dick Clark Productions allowed fully vaccinated attendees (meaning they would have had their final vaccine before May 6, 2021) to attend the ceremony. Attendees would be required to show their vaccination card before entering the venue, complete wellness screenings, have their temperature taken, sit in dedicated audience seating, and wear facial coverings at all times.^[20] There was an estimated 500–600 fans in attendance.^[21]