The 2023 Billboard Music Awards had some record-breaking moments for artists, and it was clear that Taylor Swift and Drake are running the show.
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As if the legends weren’t big enough, Taylor Swift and Drake have continued to prove their music industry might with Sunday’s Billboard Music Awards. Having a respective 20 and 14 nominations each, it was extremely likely that the two would be the biggest winners of the night. Taylor Swift took home 10 awards, including for Top Female Artist and the new Top Hot 100 Songwriter category. Drake won an impressive five awards, the same number he won at the 2022 BBMAs. With 39 trophies each, the legendary artists are now tied for most all-time career wins at the Billboard Music Awards.
That wasn't their only tie of the night either, as Swift won the Top Artist category a third time, equating to Drake’s 2017, 2019 and 2022 wins. Both artists have won the Top Billboard 200 Album award twice, though Taylor Swift also broke Billboard records by winning Top Billboard 200 Artist for a never-before-seen sixth time, and Top Female Artist for the fifth time. Drake won for a record breaking fifth time as well in the Top Rap Artist category. It’s as if these two are in a complete (and accidental) stalemate.
Regardless, there seems to be no ill-will between the two. Drake recently liked an Instagram post of Billboard announcing their tie and even references Swift in his latest Scary Hours 3 EP. He raps, “Taylor Swift the only n**** that I ever rated / Only one could make me drop the album just a little later.”
Country singer Morgan Wallen made waves at the BBMAs as well, amassing a total of 11 awards in one single night and the largest single-year sweep since 2019. Two of those awards, the Top Billboard 200 Album and Top Hot 100 Song, haven’t been won by the same artist in nearly twenty years. Album One Thing at a Time and corresponding single “Last Night” have been featured in top listening charts since their March releases, so it’s no surprise that they awarded the singer some major recognition. Wallen’s career total is now 15 awards, which launches him as the second Country artist with the most BBMA trophies, only five behind Garth Brooks.
Clips from the award show are available to replay at BBMAs.watch, and be sure to check out Audacy’s Music Awards Radio for all the nominated, winning, and record-setting hits.