R&B is at the heart of this year’s Billboard Music Awards. Silk Sonic and Maxwell have been revealed as performing artists at the ceremony’s 29th edition.
Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars, together known as Silk Sonic, could take the stage to perform their remake of Con Funk Shun’s 1982 classic “Love’s Train.”
Their rendition recently shot to number one on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, becoming their third as Silk Sonic. They could also be planning to perform a song from their debut album, An Evening With Silk Sonic.
The lauded throwback LP picked up a nod for top R&B album, while its hit single “Leave The Door Open” is nominated for top R&B song. Silk Sonic is also nominated for top duo/group and top R&B artist.
Maxwell’s sixth album, blacksummers’NIGHT, is on the horizon. The album’s focus single, “Off,” did remarkably well enough on the R&B charts for his performance slot to reflect its success. However, the legendary singer confirmed he’s a part of a “special tribute honoring an icon.”
OMG performing a special tribute honoring an icon at the @bbmas !lock it in. sunday, may 15 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on @nbc.
#bbmas pic.twitter.com/TjKAGlktLw— MAXWELL (@_MAXWELL_) April 29, 2022
Considering Mary J. Blige is receiving the Icon Award this year, Maxwell could be on the lineup to salute the queen of R&B and hip-hop soul. The two toured together in 2016 and have praised each other throughout their careers.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to host and executive produce the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. The confirmation comes weeks after the nominations were unveiled. More performers, as well as presenters, will get announced in the coming weeks.
This year’s BBMAs nominees include SZA, Givēon, Summer Walker, Omarion, Khalid, and The Weeknd, who scored 17 nods, the most of any artist.
The 2022 Billboard Music Awards will air live from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Arena Sunday, May 15, at at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
