Billboard Awards host named

Diddy is set to host the 2022 Billboard Awards.

The 52-year-old rapper, whose real name is Sean Combs but was previously known as Puffy Daddy and P Diddy, is set to be at the helm as executive producer of the upcoming ceremony, which is set to take place on May 16 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In a statement, he said: “This will be unlike any awards show. I’m bringing the love and setting the frequency at an all-time high.”

The I’ll Be Missing You hitmaker went on to claim that the annual awards show is truly “representative” of where music is now and promised fans that the “biggest live performances and surprises” are on the cards.

He added: “The Billboard Music Awards truly represent the artistes and where music is today, so I’m excited to curate the biggest live performances and surprises. The world has to tune in to see.”

Several big names from the world of music have already been confirmed to take to the stage for performance on the star-studded awards night, including Burna Boy, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Rauw Alejandro, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, with soul superstar Mary J. Blige also set to perform as well as take home the prestigious ICON Award, which has previously been won by Celine Dion, Cher and Jennifer Lopez.

Blige told ETOnline: “To be recognised in this way at this moment, with the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards, is an incredible honour and one that I am truly humbled by.”

The nominations are led by Can’t Feel My Face singer The Weeknd, who is a finalist in 17 categories in total, including Top Artiste and Top Male Artiste, while his collaboration with Ariana Grande, Save Your Tears (Remix), is in the running for six gongs.

Also in the running for a plethora of awards is Woman hitmaker Doja Cat, who has received 14 nods but faces competition from the likes of Adele, Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo for Top Female Artiste prize.