Billboard Music Awards Sneak Peek

Artists planning to wear eyeliner to the 24th annual Billboard Music Awards on May 22 are best advised to invest in a tear-proof brand. 'The show is going to be filled with a lot of emotion,' says Mark Bracco, an executive producer of the telecast, which, for the first time, will air live coast to coast from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

In addition to the choked sobs that often accompany an acceptance speech - award finalists are based on album and digital song sales, radio airplay, streaming, touring and social engagement measured by Billboard and its data partners - this year's BBMAs will include performances by Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Fifth Harmony with Ty Dolla Sign, Troye Sivan, Meghan Trainor, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, Nick Jonas featuring Tove Lo, Rihanna and Demi Lovato, as well as the debut of Adele's music video for 'Send My Love (To Your New Lover)' and special showcases featuring Britney Spears, Pink, Celine Dion and Madonna, designed to evoke thrills, tears or both.

Madonna Celebrates Prince: After the death of Prince in April, the BBMA producers began discussing a tribute to the multitalented artist, which led to conversations with Madonna's team. Although the details of Madge's performance are under wraps, Bracco says it will be 'intimate.' 'She has been very involved in how it will be presented,' he says. 'It will be one of the emotional highlights of the show.'

From Billboard.com