The Billboard Music Awards Sunday night didn’t turn out to be much of a contest. Adele swept won 12 of her 18 nominations, beating out heavyweight competitors like Lady Gaga and Rihanna for Top Artist.
Among her accolades, the British singer won the Top Artist and Top Female artist awards.
But Adele’s signature Tune, “Rolling in the Deep,” lost the Top 100 songs to dance-music clowns LMFAO and “Party Rock Anthem.”
The awards ceremony had a somber undertone, as tribute was paid to Donna Summer and Robin Gibb, two 70s archetypes who died last week, and to Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys. Whitney Houston was also recognized, with John Legend and Jordin Sparks performing a medley of Houston’s hits, including “I Will Always Love You.”
Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, appeared on stage and told the audience, “I really want to say thank you to everyone who supported us through it all… Thank you for showing that much love, because she deserved it ... I’m just blessed to have been in such an incredible woman’s life. There will never be another one, ever." Houston died on Feb. 11.
