The Weeknd took home the evening’s top award, song of the year for his long-reigning hit “Blinding Lights,” which also scored the award for TikTok bop of the year.
The win was significant for the star after being shut out by the Grammys for his critically acclaimed album of the same name.
Machine Gun Kelly presented the award to The Weeknd for his hit “Blinding Lights,” adding to the singer’s big night.
After his acceptance speech, the star mistakenly left his award on stage and despite Usher’s best efforts, the crooner couldn’t get The Weeknd’s attention to pass off his statuette.
The annual celebration of another year of music began with a performance from Ariana Grande and The Weeknd, singing the duet version of The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears.”
The performance was simple, with only minor lighting effects and both star donning plain wardrobes, but they were met with thunderous applause several times throughout the performance, especially when Grande, 27, hit some of her signature sky-high notes.
The performance was Grande’s first appearance since her recent wedding and The Weeknd’s first since boycotting the Grammys earlier this year.
Usher, who is serving as the evening’s host, then took to the stage.
