Madonna Paid Homage To Prince By Wearing His Signature Color And Singing Prince's Hits On Stage At Billboards

The Weeknd, the night’s big winner with eight, dedicated an award to Prince and told the audience, “I love him so much. I didn’t know him, but he was so close to me. He will always be an inspiration.” However, The Weeknd lost the night’s big award — top artist — to Adele, who didn’t attend the show because she’s on tour.

Celine Dion and Kesha, both in the midst of drama in their personal lives, gave emotional performances during the three-hour show.

Dion sang Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” in strong form, sporting a shiny dress and backed by a powerful orchestra. Dion lost her husband and brother in the same week in January, and her son presented her with the Billboard icon award after her performance.

“I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for crying. I want to be so strong for my family and kids … I don’t want to cry in front of you,” a teary Dion said to Rene-Charles Angelil.

Dion said her late husband Rene Angelil will “continue to watch over me from up above.”

Kesha sang a heart-wrenching cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe.” She stood still in a cream suit and was backed by a pianist and violinist, hitting all the right notes and growing teary-eyed near the end.

She earned a standing ovation from the audience — a welcome response after the performance was initially nixed by her former mentor, Dr. Luke. The hit-making producer and his record label gave Kesha the OK to perform after she said she would not use the stage to discuss their ongoing lawsuit. They have been at odds since she accused of him of drugging, sexually abusing and emotionally tormenting her.

Other performances were not as strong: Justin Bieber sang his hits “Company” and “Sorry” with the help of a backing track as bright laser lights beamed throughout the performance. He walked from side to side, performing a few dance moves but didn’t match the energy of his backup dancers. Britney Spears — clearly lip syncing — kicked off the show in a shimmery red number with a performance that featured several of her hits, from “I’m a Slave 4 U” and “Toxic.”

Demi Lovato’s performance of “Cool for the Summer” was among the night’s best. She made a statement by wearing a shirt featuring an inclusive bathroom symbol, taking a stance against North Carolina’s recent law addressing LGBT rights and bathroom use by transgender people. Lovato, who is on tour with Nick Jonas, recently canceled shows in North Carolina in protest of the state’s law.

Pink also impressed with her performance — featuring her signature high-flying moves — while she sang her new song, “Just Like Fire.” Ariana Grande and Rihanna — who won the fan-voted Billboard chart achievement award — were also highlights with strong vocals.

PHOTOS: Billboard Music Awards 2016: Red Carpet Stars