Mariah Carey delivered the first ever awards show performance of her hit song ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ at the Billboard Music Awards 2023 on Sunday.
The songstress, 54, known as the Queen of Christmas, gave a very festive performance, as she arrived onstage via a red swing.
The hitmaker wowed in a white mini dress with the front zipper tugged down low, along with matching tights and knee-high boots.
The mom-of-two was joined by her twins Moroccan and Monroe, 12, for the holiday-themed performance. They later presented their famous mom with the Billboard Chart Achievement Award.
This year’s musical ceremony took place at various locations, with Carey performing at the Culver Studios in Culver City. Other performances of the night included Karol G and Bebe Rexha.
The Queen of Christmas: Mariah Carey delivered the first ever awards show performance of her hit song ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ at the Billboard Music Awards 2023 on Sunday
The holiday spirit: The hitmaker, 54, wowed in a white mini dress with the front zipper tugged down low, along with matching tights and knee-high boots
Her twins: The mom-of-two was joined by her twins Moroccan and Monroe, 12, for the holiday-themed performance
Mariah’s golden waves were pulled int a high ponytail, and she wore a pair of white sunglasses tucked into her tresses.
Her incredible set featured an ice skating rink, with a number of skaters showing off their moves, and a warmly lit house behind her.
Her twins sat nearby and danced as they watched their famous mom perform.
The superstar lived up to her Queen of Christmas nickname, as at the end of her magical set it began to snow.
Mariah later earned the Chart Achievement Award for the holiday classic.
The song – which was recorded in 1994 – is the first song to lead Hot 100 charts across five distinct years and the only song to rain in more than two individual years.
Mariah’s two preteen children donned winterwear as they walked on stage to hand their mother the vintage golden microphone trophy.
She made sure to recognize them first during her acceptance speech as she said: ‘Thank you babies. Thank you. Thank you so much. I couldn’t ask for better presenters than Roc and Roe. Thank you guys.
Swinging into the holiday season: The songstress known as the Queen of Christmas, gave a very festive performance, as she arrived onstage via a red swing
New format: This year’s musical ceremony took place at various locations, with Carey performing at the Culver Studios in Culver City
Stunning: Mariah’s golden waves were pulled int a high ponytail, and she wore a pair of white sunglasses tucked into her tresses
Winter is here: Her incredible set featured an ice skating rink, with a number of skaters showing off their moves, and a warmly lit house behind her
Feeling festive: Dancers clad in warm winter wear skated around the set
Iconic: Mariah pleased her fans with her iconic vocals
Magical performance: The superstar lived up to her Queen of Christmas nickname, as at the end of her magical set it began to snow
2023 Billboard Music Award Winners: AT A GLANCE
Top Artist: Taylor Swift
Top Male Artist: Morgan Wallen
Top Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Top Billboard 200 Artist: Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Artist: Morgan Wallen
Top Steraming Songs Artist: Morgan Wallen
Top Radio Songs Artist: Taylor Swift
On top: Taylor Swift was a major winner as she earned 10 golden microphones including highest honor Top Artist
Top Billboard Global 200 Artist – Taylor Swift
Top Country Artist: Morgan Wallen
Top Billboard 200 Album – Morgan Wallen, One Thing At A Time
Top Global K-pop Artist: NewJeans
Top Latin Female Artist – Karol G
Top Latin Touring Artist – Karol G
Chart Achievement Award: Mariah Carey
‘Alright well, I just want to say Billboard has been an integral part of my life for a very long time now. Even though I don’t acknowledge time, I kind of have to admit that some of my most memorable times in my career are connected to Billboard and the BBMAs.
‘One thing I really have to say is that I’m so grateful for the fact that my fans have been here with me through the hits, the misses, the No. 1 and the bubbling unders. I love you so much.’
As Mariah has placed No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart in a record 19 distinct years she made sure to talk about the impact the song has had on her life and career.
She explained: ‘This award is particularly special to me because the song itself changed my entire life. When I first sat down to write All I Want For Christmas Is You.
‘I never could have imagined that I would be standing here three months later accepting a special award for it okay, so I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s allowed this song to be part of their holiday soundtrack each year. I’m so honored to be receiving this award for this little songs chart achievements but the greatest achievement for me is being here with all of you and feeling the love that only music can generate. Thank you so much!’
Earlier in the day Karol G, 32, kicked off the event, with a steamy performance of her songs Qlona, Labios Mordidos, and Ojos Ferrari.
The Colombian sensation showed her toned midriff in a white bra and sheer sweatpants as she performed in a shallow body of water.
She was joined by a shirtless male dancer, with the duo raising temperatures with steamy choreography.
Steamy: Earlier in the day Karol G, 32, kicked off the event, with a steamy performance of her songs Qlona, Labios Mordidos, and Ojos Ferrari
Energetic: The Colombian sensation showed her toned midriff in a white bra and sheer sweatpants as she performed in a shallow body of water
Sultry routine: She was joined by a shirtless male dancer, with the duo raising temperatures with steamy choreography
Drenched: Her platinum blonde tresses were drenched from the water
Edgy: At one point Karol laid back in the water as a number of showed off their dances moves in front of her
Aquatic: They then began circling and splashing her with water
Unique: Karol as not afraid to take a risk with her water based performance
A blast: The star appeared to have a blast during her show
Lights, cameras, action! The performance featured a number of light changes
Green: The lights changed from orange to green at one point
At one point Karol laid back in the water as a number of showed off their dances moves in front of her.
They then began circling and splashing her with water.
A drenched Karol was then hoisted up into the air by two of her dancers as she continued singing.
Karol took home the first awards of the night in the Top Latin Female Artist and Latin Touring Artist categories.
In the Top Latin Female Artist category she beat out international heavy-hitters ROSALÍA and Shakira while she won out over RBD and Daddy Yankee in the Latin Touring Artist category.
Meanwhile Bebe Rexha, 34, stunned while performing ‘I’m Good (Blue)’ and ‘One In a Million’ with David Guetta.
She slipped into an incredible black and silver corset that clung to her hourglass curves.
The star paired the look with black pants and sheer black and silver elbow-length gloves. Her blonde tresses were styled straight for the night.
Bebe and David were also big winners as they accepted the Top Dance/ Electronic Song Award for their hit track I’m Good (Blue).
The two hitmakers beat out Bizarrap & Shakira, Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53, Elton John & Britney Spears, Hold Me Closer, Tiësto ft. Tate McRae, 10:35, and even David Guetta himself for his collaboration with Anne-Marie & Coi Leray titled Baby Don’t Hurt Me.
Stunner: Meanwhile Bebe Rexha, 34, stunned while performing ‘I’m Good (Blue)’ and ‘One In a Million’ with David Guetta
Incredible: She slipped into an incredible black and silver corset that clung to her hourglass curves
Space boots: She donned silver space boots
Blondie: Her blonde tresses were styled straight for the night
Her team: Bebe was joined by a number of backup dancers
Thrilling: The star showcased her smooth vocals
Fan favorite: Country crooner Morgan Wallen, 30, performed his fan-favorite song ’98 Braves
Sporty: Tate McRae, 20, hit the stage in a bedazzled blue bra and black pants as she performed her song Greedy
Fun: The songstress showed off her electric dance moves
Suited up: Tate started out in a grey blazer before revealing the sparkling bra underneath
Country crooner Morgan Wallen, 30, performed his fan-favorite song ’98 Braves. He sported a casual look, wearing a denim jacket over a white tee, black pants, and a dark snapback.
Wallen earned 11 awards at the event, beating out Taylor Swift who received a total of 10.
He accepted several awards including Top Male Artist and Top Hot 100 Artist, two years after he was caught on tape using a racial slur.
Wallen was able to best Taylor in the Top Streaming Artist category as he triumphed over her along with Drake, SZA, and Zach Bryan.
The Last Night hitmaker happily posed with his 11 shiny new trophies as he said: ‘Well, you know, like the song says “win some, you lose some.” Last award show I went to we came home empty-handed and this one I don’t have enough hands for them all.
‘Either way, I promise I’m going to stay the same regardless if we come home with ten or zero. I’m gonna give ya’ll my all every single night, every single time I go into the studio, so thank you! This award, all these awards, are really for my fans, man. Thank you guys so much. Thank you.’
He went on to thank his rabid fans for all of their support even through the controversial times.
Wallen concluded: ‘You took a boy from East Tennessee driving a two-door Toyota Tacoma and turned me into one of Billboard’s top artists so God bless ya’ll.’
Boy band: South Korean boy band Stray Kids gave a lively performance of their songs S-Class and LALALALA
The boys: The band consists of members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N
Worldwide: They delivered their show from Hwajung Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea
Fire show: Their set featured fiery blazes surrounding the stage
Tate McRae, 20, hit the stage in a bedazzled blue bra and black pants as she performed her song Greedy.
South Korean boy band Stray Kids gave a lively performance of their songs S-Class and LALALALA.
The band consists of members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N.
They delivered their show from Hwajung Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea.
Taylor Swift was a major winner as she earned 10 golden microphones including highest honor Top Artist.
The 33-year-old pop megastar – who made a tearful return to the stage Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on her Eras Tour after tragedy – sent in a video message as she accepted several trophies.
The star – who had the most nominations on the night with 20 – said: ‘Well, this is unreal. This is the fact, that you guys have given me ten Billboard Awards, I’m talking to the fans specifically, none of this happens without you.
‘Billboards base everything off of what you are listening to, and what you’re passionate about and I’m so honored that this year you made the tour, The Eras Tour, so magical.’
Awards eligibility for the BBMAs was determined this year based on chart performance from November 19, 2022, through Oct. 21, 2023.
2023 Billboard Music Award Winners
Top Artist
Drake
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
SZA
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Taylor Swift was a major winner as she earned 10 golden microphones including highest honor Top Artist
Top New Artist
Bailey Zimmerman
Ice Spice
Jelly Roll
Peso Pluma
Zach Bryan – WINNER
Top Male Artist
Drake
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
The Weeknd
Zach Bryan
Top guy: Taylor was outdone by controversial country star Morgan Wallen who earned 11
Top Female Artist
Beyoncé
Miley Cyrus
Olivia Rodrigo
SZA
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Top Duo/Group
Eslabon Armado
Fifty Fifty
Fuerza Regida – WINNER
Grupo Frontera
Metallica
Top Billboard 200 Artist
Drake
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
SZA
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Top Hot 100 Artist
Drake
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
SZA
Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Songwriter
Ashley Gorley
Jack Antonoff
SZA
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Zach Bryan
Top Hot 100 Producer
Jack Antonoff
Joey Moi – WINNER
Metro Boomin
Taylor Swift
Zach Bryan
Top Streaming Songs Artist
Drake
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
SZA
Taylor Swift
Zach Bryan
Top Radio Songs Artist
Miley Cyrus
Morgan Wallen
SZA
Taylor Swift – WINNER
The Weeknd
Top Song Sales Artist
Jason Aldean
Miley Cyrus
Morgan Wallen
Oliver Anthony Music
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Top Billboard Global 200 Artist
Bad Bunny
Morgan Wallen
SZA
Taylor Swift – WINNER
The Weeknd
Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Artist
Bad Bunny
Ed Sheeran
NewJeans
Taylor Swift – WINNER
The Weeknd
Chart Achievement Award
Mariah Carey – WINNER
Sweet: Mariah Carey was presented with a special honor by her twin children Morrocan and Monroe, 12, at the event
Top R&B Artist
Beyoncé
Chris Brown
Rihanna
SZA – WINNER
The Weeknd
Top R&B Male Artist
Chris Brown
Miguel
The Weeknd – WINNER
Top R&B Female Artist
Beyonce
Rihanna
SZA – WINNER
Top R&B Touring Artist
Beyoncé – WINNER
Bruno Mars
The Weeknd
Top Rap Artist
21 Savage
Drake – WINNER
Lil Baby
Metro Boomin
Travis Scott
Top Rap Male Artist
21 Savage
Drake – WINNER
Travis Scott
Top Rap Female Artist
Doja Cat
Ice Spice
Nicki Minaj – WINNER
Top Rap Touring Artist
50 Cent
Drake – WINNER
Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa
Top Country Artist
Bailey Zimmerman
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
Taylor Swift
Zach Bryan
Top Country Male Artist
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
Zach Bryan
Top Country Female Artist
Lainey Wilson
Megan Moroney
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Top Country Duo/Group
Old Dominion
Parmalee
Zac Brown Band – WINNER
Top Country Touring Artist
George Strait
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
Top Rock Artist
Jelly Roll
Noah Kahan
Stephen Sanchez
Steve Lacy
Zach Bryan – WINNER
Top Rock Duo/Group
Arctic Monkeys – WINNER
Foo Fighters
Metallica
Top Rock Touring Artist
Coldplay – WINNER
Depeche Mode
Elton John
Top Latin Artist
Bad Bunny – WINNER
Eslabon Armado
Fuerza Regida
KAROL G
Peso Pluma
Top Latin Male Artist
Bad Bunny – WINNER
Peso Pluma
Rauw Alejandro
Top Latin Female Artist
KAROL G – WINNER
ROSALÍA
Shakira
Double trouble: Karol G won two including Top Latin Female Artist
Top Latin Duo/Group
Eslabon Armado
Fuerza Regida – WINNER
Grupo Frontera
Top Latin Touring Artist
Daddy Yankee
Karol G – WINNER
RBD
Top Global K-Pop Artist
Jimin
NewJeans – WINNER
Stray Kids
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
TWICE
Top K-Pop Touring Artist
BLACKPINK – WINNER
SUGA
TWICE
Top Afrobeats Artist
Burna Boy – WINNER
Libianca
Rema
Tems
Wizkid
Top Dance/Electronic Artist
Beyoncé – WINNER
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Drake
Tiësto
Top Christian Artist
Brandon Lake
Elevation Worship
for KING & COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle – WINNER
Phil Wickham
Top Gospel Artist
CeCe Winans
Elevation Worship
Kanye West – WINNER
Kirk Franklin
Maverick City Music
Top Billboard 200 Album
Drake & 21 Savage, Her Loss
Metro Boomin, HEROES & VILLAINS
Morgan Wallen, One Thing at a Time – WINNER
SZA, SOS
Taylor Swift, Midnights
Top Soundtrack
Barbie: The Album – WINNER
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By
ELVIS
Metro Boomin Presents Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Soundtrack From and Inspired by the Motion Picture)
Top Gun: Maverick
Top R&B Album
Beyoncé, RENAISSANCE
Brent Faiyaz, WASTELAND
Drake, Honestly, Nevermind
Steve Lacy, Gemini Rights
SZA, SOS – WINNER
Top Rap Album
Drake & 21 Savage, Her Loss – WINNER
Future, I Never Liked You
Lil Baby, It’s Only Me
Metro Boomin, HEROES & VILLAINS
Travis Scott, UTOPIA
Top Country Album
Luke Combs, Gettin’ Old
Luke Combs, Growin’ Up
Morgan Wallen, One Thing at a Time
Taylor Swift, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)
Zach Bryan, American Heartbreak – WINNER
Top Rock Album
HARDY, the mockingbird & THE CROW
Jelly Roll, Whitsitt Chapel
Noah Kahan, Stick Season
Steve Lacy, Gemini Rights
Zach Bryan, American Heartbreak – WINNER
Top Latin Album
Bad Bunny, Un Verano Sin Ti – WINNER
Eslabon Armado, DESVELADO
Ivan Cornejo, Dañado
KAROL G, MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO
Peso Pluma, GÉNESIS
Top K-Pop Album
Jimin, FACE
NewJeans, 2nd EP ‘Get Up’
Stray Kids, 5-STAR – WINNER
TOMORROW X TOGETHER, The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION
TWICE, READY TO BE: 12th Mini Album
Top Dance/Electronic Album
Beyoncé, RENAISSANCE – WINNER
Drake, Honestly, Nevermind
ILLENIUM, ILLENIUM
Kim Petras, Feed the Beast
Tiësto, DRIVE
Top Christian Album
Anne Wilson, My Jesus – WINNER
Brandon Lake, House of Miracles
CAIN, Rise Up
Elevation Worship, LION
Lauren Daigle, Lauren Daigle
Top Gospel Album
Jonathan McReynolds, My Truth
Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin, Kingdom Book One – WINNER
Tye Tribbett, All Things New
Whitney Houston, I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston
Zacardi Cortez, Imprint (Live in Memphis)
Top Hot 100 Song
Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage, Creepin’
Miley Cyrus, Flowers
Morgan Wallen, Last Night – WINNER
SZA, Kill Bill
Taylor Swift, Anti-Hero
Top Streaming Song
Miley Cyrus, Flowers
Morgan Wallen, Last Night – WINNER
SZA, Kill Bill
Taylor Swift, Anti-Hero
Zach Bryan, Something in the Orange
Top Radio Song
Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage, Creepin’
Miley Cyrus, Flowers – WINNER
Rema & Selena Gomez, Calm Down
Taylor Swift, Anti-Hero
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, Die for You
Top Selling Song
Jason Aldean, Try That in a Small Town
Jimin, Like Crazy
Miley Cyrus, Flowers
Oliver Anthony Music, Rich Men North of Richmond
Taylor Swift, Anti-Hero – WINNER
Top Collaboration
David Guetta & Bebe Rexha, I’m Good (Blue)
Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage, Creepin’ – WINNER
Rema & Selena Gomez, Calm Down
Sam Smith & Kim Petras, Unholy
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, Die for You
Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Song
David Guetta & Bebe Rexha, I’m Good (Blue)
Harry Styles, As It Was
Miley Cyrus, Flowers – WINNER
Rema & Selena Gomez, Calm Down
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, Die for You
Top R&B Song
Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage, Creepin’
Miguel, Sure Thing
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, Die for You
SZA, Kill Bill – WINNER
SZA, Snooze
Top Rap Song
Coi Leray, Players”
Drake & 21 Savage, Rich Flex – WINNER
Gunna, fukumean
Lil Durk ft. J. Cole, All My Life
Toosii, Favorite Song
Top Country Song
Bailey Zimmerman, Rock and a Hard Place
Luke Combs, Fast Car
Morgan Wallen, Last Night – WINNER
Morgan Wallen, You Proof
Zach Bryan, Something in the Orange
Top Rock Song
Jelly Roll, Need A Favor
Stephen Sanchez, Until I Found You
Steve Lacy, Bad Habit
Zach Bryan ft. Kacey Musgraves, I Remember Everything
Zach Bryan, Something in the Orange – WINNER
Top Latin Song
Eslabon Armado x Peso Pluma, Ella Baila Sola – WINNER
Fuerza Regida x Grupo Frontera, Bebe Dame
Grupo Frontera x Bad Bunny, un x100to
KAROL G & Shakira, TQG
Yng Lvcas x Peso Pluma, La Bebe
Top Global K-Pop Song
Fifty Fifty, Cupid
Jimin, Like Crazy
Jungkook ft. Latto, Seven – WINNER
NewJeans, Ditto
NewJeans, OMG
Top Afrobeats Song
Ayra Starr, Rush
Libianca, People
Oxlade, KU LO SA
Rema & Selena Gomez, Calm Down – WINNER
Victony, Rema, & Tempoe ft. Don Toliver, Soweto
Top Dance/Electronic Song
Bizarrap & Shakira, Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53
David Guetta, Anne-Marie & Coi Leray, Baby Don’t Hurt Me
David Guetta & Bebe Rexha, I’m Good (Blue) – WINNER
Elton John & Britney Spears, Hold Me Closer
Tiësto ft. Tate McRae, 10:35
Big moment: David Guetta & Bebe Rexha won Top Dance/Electronic Song for I’m Good (Blue)
Top Christian Song
Brandon Lake, Gratitude – WINNER
Chris Tomlin, Holy Forever
for KING & COUNTRY with Jordin Sparks, Love Me Like I Am
Lauren Daigle, Thank God I Do
Phil Wickham, This Is Our God
Top Gospel Song
CeCe Winans, Goodness of God – WINNER
Crowder & Dante Bowe ft. Maverick City Music, God Really Loves Us
Elevation Worship ft. Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson, More Than Able
Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin ft. Brandon Lake & Chandler Moore, Fear is Not My Future
Zacardi Cortez, Lord Do It for Me (Live in Memphis)
