The singers and the choir received a standing ovation for the thoughtful rendition.

Thank you @ShawnMendes, for two heartfelt performances tonight at #BBMAs. #SHAWN_BBMAs. pic.twitter.com/vGmq2BgP1J

— Billboard Music Awards (@BBMAs) May 21, 2018

Mental illness awareness

Hitmakers the Chainsmokers and Halsey paid tribute to DJ Avicii, who died last month at age 28.

\"PHOTO:
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
PHOTO: Recording artists Andrew Taggart, left, and Alex Pall of the Chainsmokers accept the top dance/electronic artist award onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, May 20, 2018, in Las Vegas.
>

After his death, Avicii's family released a statement that called him \"a fragile artistic soul,\" and added, “He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace. Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight.”

Was an honor to dedicate the award to avicii and speak about him with @halsey pic.twitter.com/EekThvZpEU

— THE CHAINSMOKERS (@TheChainsmokers) May 21, 2018

\"His passing was a great loss for the music world and for us,\" The Chainsmokers and Halsey said, mentioning mental illness in their tribute.

\"It's a reminder to all of us to be there and to support and love all of our friends and family members, who may be struggling with mental health issues,\" Halsey said.

Andrew Taggart added that he hopes the late DJ was able to find peace.

No more abuse

Last, but certainly not least, Janet Jackson became the first black woman to receive the Billboard Icon Award and used her speech to pay tribute to all the women in the world making a difference in recent months.

\"PHOTO:
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
PHOTO: Honoree Janet Jackson accepts the Icon Award onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, May 20, 2018, in Las Vegas.
>

\"Women have made it clear that we no longer will be controlled, manipulated or abused,” she said.

After rocking the stage with her incredible performance, @JanetJackson accepts the 2018 #BBMAs Icon Award! #ICON_JANET pic.twitter.com/S7nDbrGJQI

— Billboard Music Awards (@BBMAs) May 21, 2018

\"I stand with those women and those men equally outraged,\" she continued.

The audience was visibly moved and gave her a roaring applause.

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