LAS VEGAS, MAY 22, 2016 — Multi platinum-selling recording artist Demi Lovato wore her support for the transgender community during the 24th Annual Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, once again taking a strong stand against North Carolina's anti-LGBT law known as HB2.
At the Billboard Music Awards, broadcast May 22 on ABC, women were in the spotlight.
Madonna paid tribute to Prince in a set that featured the songs "Nothing Compares 2 U" and "Purple Rain" (singing with Stevie Wonder at one point)—and that earned mixed reviews on social media. Also, after a topsy-turvy news week, Kesha was allowed to perform "It Ain't Me, Babe" to honor Bob Dylan. Rihanna earned a standing ovation for "Love on the Brain."
Also, Adele debuted her new video, "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)," and won five awards (out of eight nods), including Top Artist and Top Selling Song (for "Hello").
In addition, Celine Dion and Britney Spears were honored with special awards. Dion performed "The Show Must Go On," and received her honor (in a surprise) from son Rene-Charles. Spears opened the show with a medley of her greatest hits.
However, Demi Lovato also stood out—and not just for her pipes, as the GLAAD Vanguard Award recipient wore a T-shirt featuring an inclusive bathroom symbol. (Her performance of "Cool for the Summer" dovetailed tourmate Nick Jonas' duet with Tove Lo.) GLAAD announced that a replica of the T-shirt will be sold during Lovato's Honda Civic tour: Future Now, with the proceeds being donated to LGBT organizations in North Carolina. In April, Lovato and Nick Jonas cancelled their North Carolina tour dates over the state's anti-LGBT law.
There were other LGBT-related moments during the show as well. Openly gay YouTube star/singer Troye Sivan performed his song "Youth" and musician ?uestlove, before introducing Madonna, said that Prince's music transcended many things, including sexual orientation.
Men also their moments during the Las Vegas show, including The Weeknd, who won eight awards (out of 19 nominations), including Top 100 artist. Justin Bieber received the award for Top Male Artist.
GLAAD press release on Lovato
During her performance, the GLAAD Vanguard Award recipient wore a T-shirt featuring an inclusive bathroom symbol. A replica of the T-shirt will be sold during Lovato's Honda Civic tour: Future Now and the proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in North Carolina, GLAAD announced today.
"Demi Lovato continues to be a fearless ally for LGBT equality and acceptance," said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. "By wearing her support for the transgender community, Lovato is raising critical visibility for vulnerable LGBT North Carolinians and sending an invaluable message of support to transgender people everywhere."
Proceeds from the equality-affirming T-shirt will benefit Equality NC, the state organization working to secure equal rights and justice for LGBT North Carolinians, as well as Time Out Youth, a Charlotte-based community center that provides support and services for LGBT youth.
In April, Lovato and Nick Jonas cancelled their North Carolina tour dates over the state's anti-LGBT law and in a statement released to GLAAD, they said in part:
"North Carolina's discriminatory HB2 law is extremely disappointing, and it takes away some of the LGBT community's most basic rights and protections. But we will not allow this to stop us from continuing to make progress for equality and acceptance."
GLAAD presented Lovato with the Vanguard Award at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in April in recognition of her work to advance equality and acceptance of LGBT people.
