Billboard Music Awards Filling Up

• The 2018 Billboard Music Awards broadcast has taken on some genuine heft over the past few weeks as the list of performers grows ever more impressive. Let us review where we are so far — Kelly Clarkson will host the big show and perform, and Ariana Grande will open the show “with a show-stopping performance from her upcoming LP.”

dick clark productions and NBC last week announced that singer, songwriter, actress and producer Jennifer Lopez has been added to the list of performers, along with Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato, who will team up for the first time to perform the world television debut of Aguilera’s new single, “Fall In Line,” featuring Lovato. They join previously announced performances from BTS, Camila Cabello, John Legend, Dua Lipa and Shawn Mendes.

And there’s more — Janet Jackson will be honored with the prestigious ICON Award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, and will deliver her first television performance in nine years. Previous recipients of the ICON Award include Cher, Neil Diamond, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Prince and Stevie Wonder.

And how cool is this — legendary female rap trio Salt-N-Pepa will perform several of their monster hits, along with En Vogue. Salt-N-Pepa’s performance marks the 30th anniversary of them becoming the first female rappers to crack the Top 20 on Billboard Hot 100 with their 1988 smash, “Push It.” The 2018 Billboard Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas next Sunday, May 20 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on NBC.