Madonna paid tribute to Prince, Kesha earned a standing ovation for her stirring rendition of "It Ain't Me, Babe" honoring Bob Dylan, and Celine Dion dedicated her Icon award to her late husband at Sunday night's emotion-packed Billboard Music Awards.
Canadian singer The Weeknd dedicated the first award to Prince, the Grammy-winning pop superstar best known for such hits as "Purple Rain" and "Let's Go Crazy," who died at his Minnesota home in April aged 57.
"I want to dedicate this award to the late great Prince," The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye), said in accepting the Top Hot 100 Artist award.
Kesha performs "It Ain't Me Babe" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22.
Dion, making her first televised singing performance since the death of her husband, Rene Angelil, tearfully accepted the Icon Award for lifetime achievement, which in a surprise was presented by her son, Rene-Charles.
"I'm so sorry, I don't want to cry in front of you," Dion told the audience. She ended by holding her award aloft and declaring, "Rene, this one's for you, the show must go on," echoing the title of the Queen song she had just performed.
Ariana Grande performs "Dangerous Woman" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Joe Jonas and Dnce perform "Cake By The Ocean" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Singer Demi Lovato performs "Cool For The Summer" on stage at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Justin Bieber accepts the award for Top Male Artist at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Pink performs "Just Like Fire" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Thomas Rhett accepts the award for Top Country Song for "Die A Happy Man" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Billboard Icon Award recipient Celine Dion reacts as her son Rene Charles presents the award to her at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Rihanna bows after performing "Love On The Brain" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Millennium Award recipient Britney Spears performs a medley of songs at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Actor Ashton Kutcher arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Actress Jessica Alba arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Actress Kate Beckinsale arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Singer Ciara arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Singer Idina Menzel arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Musician Steven Tyler arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.
Source: China Daily