The 2020 BBMAs Nominees: Surprises and Let-Downs

One of music’s biggest nights is all set to take place on the 15th of October – the 2020 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs). And, the global pandemic is not going to stop the prestigious award roll-out. In the run up to the mega event, the nominees for this year were announced. But, while fans rejoiced for their favourite stars, some of pop music’s biggest predictions fell in the shadows. 

All the Brightest Stars at the BBMAs

In a show of no surprise at all, Post Malone emerged victorious with a whopping 16 nominations. The ‘Circles’ singer is a strong contender in big-name categories like Top Male Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, and more. And, with the unforeseen longevity of his 2019 release, “Hollywood’s Bleeding”, there’s no wondering why he’s leading the pack.

Further, the fact that both “Hollywood’s Bleeding” and ‘Circles’ continue to chart in the Top 20 of the Billboard charts, makes him a real fighter at this year’s BBMAs. 

Honourable Mentions

And, following in close footsteps behind Malone, is Lil Nas X with a total of 13 nods, in similar categories to Post. In addition, young blood seems to be running hot at this year’s BBMAs. Billie Eilish and Khalid arrive with 12 nominations each. And, once again, there are no surprises there. But, there have been some shocking miss-outs at this year’s award show. 

The Biggest Let-Downs

For starters, mega star Dua Lipa marks the the most glaring absence at this year’s award show. The singer, whose studio album, “Future Nostalgia” raked in massive streaming numbers and sales records, has been left out entirely. Further, Dua Lipa herself is a no-show in the BBMAs race. And, with a still-charting single (‘Break My Heart’), over 5 billion streams and multiple records under her belt, this one is a curious shocker. 

In addition, Selena Gomez joins the league with 0 nominations this year. Once again, surprising, considering her massively successful studio album, “Rare”. The album produced two chart-topping successes – ‘Lose You To Love Me’ and ‘Rare’, and also marked her first ever debut atop the Billboard 200 albums chart. 

So, while many stars in pop music are set to shine, there are those we’re not going to see in full starlight this year. The 2020 BBMAs will be held on the 15th of October, hosted by Kelly Clarkson this year. 

By: Ahalya Narayanan