The “2015 Billboard Music Awards” Returns to ABC Sunday, May 17th at 8pm ET Live From The MGM Grand Garden Arena
Billboard and dick clark productions announced today that “Empire” recording artists Jussie Smollett and Bryshere “Yazz” Gray will perform at this year’s award show for an “Empire” themed performance featuring Grammy Award-winning British songstress Estelle, singing a medley of the show’s biggest hits, “Conqueror” and “You’re So Beautiful.” These stars join previously announced musical performers Iggy Azalea, Fall Out Boy featuring Wiz Khalifa, Kelly Clarkson, Hozier, Nick Jonas, John Legend, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Britney Spears and Meghan Trainor. The “2015 Billboard Music Awards” will be hosted by Ludacris and Chrissy Teigen and broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17, on ABC from 8:00 PM–11:00 PM ET.”There’s no way I could possibly love music more than I already do. The Billboard Music Awards has been the epitome of celebrating some of the best of the best in music,” stated Smollett. “To be included as a performer on this year’s celebration is a huge honor.”
“I’m still living in a dream – the success of Empire and now getting the honor to perform at the Billboard Music Awards. It’s truly a blessing,” said Yazz.
“My hope is that ‘Conqueror’ will continue to inspire people as much as possible. It’s such a powerful message! I cannot wait to perform it at the Billboard Music Awards with Jussie!” said Estelle.
Fun performer facts include:
- The Empire TV soundtrack — which features Smollett and Yazz on 12 of its 18 songs — debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. It’s the first TV series soundtrack to hit No. 1 in the history of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Combined, all of the released songs from the TV series have sold 1.5 million downloads in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music.
- Combined, Smollett’s songs have sold more than a million downloads, and he’s earned six hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart — all from the Empire TV series. Those include three top 40 hits: “Good Enough,” “You’re So Beautiful” (with Yazz) and “Conqueror,” with the latter song being his highest peaking (No. 15)