When Sean βDiddyβ Combs was announced as the host and executive producer of the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, we knew he would keep things interesting. On Monday he fulfilled those expectations with an Instagram video confirming heβs the one who demanded Travis Scott be added to the lineup of performers.
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According to People, the video shows the βLast Nightβ rapper saying, βThis just in. For the Billboard Music Awards this Sunday I made a request. I made a demand. I said, βMy brother Travis Scott has to perform. Iβm executive producing, he has to perform,ββand NBC said βYes.β Itβs going down Sunday. Travis Scott will be performing β¦ now thatβs love.β
In an interview with REVOLT Black News, Diddy expressed support for Scott, saying, βI am uncanceling the canceled. There will be no canceling on my watch. Love is about forgivenessβ¦so that was why it was important for me to have Travis Scott perform. Itβs going to be a great night.β Based on our years of experience with Diddy, I think we all have a feeling Travis Scott was not his only major demand.
As we previously reported at The Root, this will be Scottβs first televised performance since the Astroworld Festival tragedy in Houston in November. As the βPortlandβ rapper was on stage, a dangerous crowd surge led to 10 deaths and hundreds of injuries. In the aftermath, multiple lawsuits have been filed against Scott, Apple, LiveNation, concert promoter ScoreMore and security companies at the event. Since then, Scott has kept a relatively low profile. He recently returned to the stage at E11even nightclub in Miami.
The audience reaction to Scott should be interesting since this is his first big public performance in front of a more mainstream crowd. Will they applaud or will they be indifferent? The βGoosebumpsβ rapper joins Silk Sonic, Maxwell, Megan Thee Stallion, Burna Boy, Latto and ICON Award honoree Mary J. Blige on this yearβs show.
Hosted by Sean βDiddyβ Combs, the Billboard Music Awards air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
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