Billboard Music Awards 2023: Complete List of BBMAs Nominations; Who is Leading This Year?

The 2023 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), presented by Marriott Bonvoy, are scheduled for Sunday, November 19, and Taylor Swift is the top finalist. 20 categories have Swift as a finalist. Swift, who currently has the most wins of any female BBMA, could overtake Drake to take the top spot overall at the show next month. Drake is a finalist for 14 more BBMAs this year, adding to his 34 victories.

With 20 categories to choose from, Taylor Swift is the front-runner for the 2023 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), possibly overtaking Drake for the top overall prize.

With 34 wins, Drake is a finalist for 14 additional awards this year. Swift might surpass Drake’s record for the most awards won in a single night (13 in 2017), as she currently holds the top spot among female BBMAs winners with 29 wins. SZA and Morgan Wallen come next, each with 17 entries, and The Weeknd comes in last with 16.

Swift might surpass Drake in terms of the most Billboard Music Awards won in a single evening. In 2017, Drake won 13 awards at the ceremony.

Swift is the 2023 Artist of the Year on Apple Music. She is the most successful female artist in Apple Music history and has the most songs that have made it to the Global Daily Top 100.

The BBMAs, which are scheduled for November 19, promise a novel approach to the awards to show with music, original programming, and partnerships with Spotify ‘Fans First.’ Performances, winner celebrations, and behind-the-scenes moments will all be featured on BBMAs.com and BBMAs social media channels.

In second place with 17 entries apiece are Morgan Wallen and SZA; next up are The Weeknd (16), Drake and Zach Bryan (14), Luke Combs (10), Beyoncé and Rema (seven each), Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma (six each), Ariana Grande, David Guetta, Eslabon Armado, Karol G, NewJeans, and Selena Gomez (five each).

The 2023 BBMAs will present a brand-new awards show concept that will delight viewers with music and behind-the-scenes moments along with performances by the biggest names in the world of entertainment. The BBMAs and Spotify “Fans First” will present a first-of-its-kind partnership that will allow fans to meet their favorite artists up close.

Performances and awards will be distributed via the BBMAs, Billboard social media platforms, and the BBMAs website on Sunday, November 19. Beginning on Monday, November 6, the Billboard Music Awards performers will be unveiled every day on BBMA’s social media platforms.

Bryan is the most prominent first-time BBMA finalist this year. Bailey Zimmerman, Coi Leray, Fifty Fifty, Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera, Jelly Roll, Ice Spice, Metro Boomin, NewJeans, Peso Pluma, and Oliver Anthony Music are among the other first-time BBMA finalists.

Nine new awards were unveiled this year, with two in the hotly contested Afrobeats category (top Afrobeats artist and top Afrobeats song) and four in the burgeoning K-pop field (top global K-pop artist, top K-pop tour, top K-pop album, and top global K-pop song).

In the last year, several other award ceremonies have introduced categories honoring African music. In November 2022, Wizkid became the first-ever American Music Awards favorite Afrobeats artist. The MTV Video Awards last month saw the debut winner of best Afrobeats, “Calm Down,” by Rema & Selena Gomez. On November 10, the nominees for the first-ever Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance will be announced.

Additionally, new categories for top Hot 100 producer and top Hot 100 songwriter are being added to the BBMAs. Among the finalists in both categories are Swift, Bryan, and Jack Antonoff, with whom she frequently collaborates.

Another new award being added to the show is for best rock duo/group. There were two categories for rock last year: top rock tour and top rock artist, in which Machine Gun Kelly and four other groups or duos competed.

The only genres that have a category for the best duos or groups are country, rock, and Latin. Consequently, R&B and rap have six categories each, while country and Latin have seven, one more than each. Rock comes in next with five categories, followed by K-pop with four, dance/electronic, Christian, and gospel with three each, and Afrobeats with two.

I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston, the top gospel album nominated for the late singer Whitney Houston, is among the finalists. Houston’s 16 BBMA Awards are the third most among women, behind Adele and Taylor Swift.

This year, several previous BBMA record holders are once again finalists. With 20 BBMA Awards under his belt, The Weeknd has 16 nominations this year; Beyoncé, with 13 nominations, has seven; and Bad Bunny, with 10 nominations—the most of any Latin artist—has six.

Rihanna, who has won twelve BBMAs, has two entries this year, while Kanye West/Ye, who has won 17 BBMAs, has just one.

Elton John, who has been producing top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 for longer than the majority of modern pop fans have been alive, is a finalist in two categories this year: top dance/electronic song and top rock touring artist. The latter is for his collaboration with Britney Spears, “Hold Me Closer.”

The music industry’s ultimate authority and data-driven measure of success, the year-end Billboard charts, are used to determine performance metrics, making this awards show unique. This year’s award eligibility dates correspond with Billboard’s year-end chart tracking period, which tracks music consumption from the charts spanning from November 19, 2022, to October 21, 2023. (That’s the tracking period from November 4, 2022, to October 12, 2023.)

Newcomers and new awards

The most recent arrival among the finalists is Zach Bryan, followed by Bailey Zimmerman, Coi Leray, and others. K-pop and Afrobeats categories are among the new awards that recognize changing musical trends. In addition to several previous BBMA winners like The Weeknd, Beyonce, and Bad Bunny receiving new nominations, the late Whitney Houston is a finalist for top gospel album.

Swift, Jack Antonoff, and Bryan are among the finalists in the new categories that the show introduces, such as top Hot 100 songwriter and top Hot 100 producer. Along with the addition of a new award for best rock duo/group, there are now separate categories for rock, country, and Latin music.

The BBMAs are distinct in that they use performance metrics from year-end Billboard charts to determine winners. Their eligibility is based on the charts that are available from November 19, 2022, to October 21, 2023.

Marriott Bonvoy presents the awards show, which is produced by Dick Clark Productions and features special performances at Marriott locations. Fans can follow the event on various social media platforms by using the hashtag #BBMAs. Sponsors Lexus is offering VIP treatment.

Dick Clark Productions is in charge of producing the 2023 Billboard Music Awards.

Marriott’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, Marriott Bonvoy, is the presenter of the 2023 Billboard Music Award. Among the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio’s exceptional hotel brands will be one special BBMAs performance and two unique acceptance speeches. Furthermore, through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, a limited number of fans will be able to attend five BBMAs performances. Watch for exclusive access to the last performance, which goes live on October 30.

Additional sponsors include Lexus, which is going to give one lucky fan the ultimate VIP treatment as a surprise. They will Experience Amazing with a private ride in a luxurious Lexus vehicle to the unique performance, in addition to having the best seat in the house.

Join the conversation using the hashtag #BBMAs, follow the BBMAs on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube, and get the most recent information and updates at BillboardMusicAwards.com and BBMAs.watch.

The complete list of finalists for the 2023 Billboard Music Awards is provided here. The term (NEW) designates new categories.

ARTIST AWARDS

Top Artist

• Drake
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen
• SZA
• Taylor Swift

Top New Artist

• Bailey Zimmerman
• Ice Spice
• Jelly Roll
• Peso Pluma
• Zach Bryan

Top Male Artist

• Drake
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen
• The Weeknd
• Zach Bryan

Top Female Artist

• Beyoncé
• Miley Cyrus
• Olivia Rodrigo
• SZA
• Taylor Swift

Top Duo/Group

• Eslabon Armado
• Fifty Fifty
• Fuerza Regida
• Grupo Frontera
• Metallica

Top Billboard 200 Artist

• Drake
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen
• SZA
• Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Artist

• Drake
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen
• SZA
• Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Songwriter (NEW)

• Ashley Gorley
• Jack Antonoff
• SZA
• Taylor Swift
• Zach Bryan

Top Hot 100 Producer (NEW)

• Jack Antonoff
• Joey Moi
• Metro Boomin
• Taylor Swift
• Zach Bryan

Top Streaming Songs Artist

• Drake
• Morgan Wallen
• SZA
• Taylor Swift
• Zach Bryan

Top Radio Songs Artist

• Miley Cyrus
• Morgan Wallen
• SZA
• Taylor Swift
• The Weeknd

Top Song Sales Artist

• Jason Aldean
• Miley Cyrus
• Morgan Wallen
• Oliver Anthony Music
• Taylor Swift

Top Billboard Global 200 Artist

• Bad Bunny
• Morgan Wallen
• SZA
• Taylor Swift
• The Weeknd

Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Artist

• Bad Bunny
• Ed Sheeran
• NewJeans
• Taylor Swift
• The Weeknd

Top R&B Artist

• Beyoncé
• Chris Brown
• Rihanna
• SZA
• The Weeknd

Top R&B Male Artist

• Chris Brown
• Miguel
• The Weeknd

Top R&B Female Artist

• Beyoncé
• Rihanna
• SZA

Top R&B Touring Artist

• Beyoncé
• Bruno Mars
• The Weeknd

Top Rap Artist

• 21 Savage
• Drake
• Lil Baby
• Metro Boomin
• Travis Scott

Top Rap Male Artist

• 21 Savage
• Drake
• Travis Scott

Top Rap Female Artist

• Doja Cat
• Ice Spice
• Nicki Minaj

Top Rap Touring Artist

• 50 Cent
• Drake
• Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa

Top Country Artist

• Bailey Zimmerman
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen
• Taylor Swift
• Zach Bryan

Top Country Male Artist

• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen
• Zach Bryan

Top Country Female Artist

• Lainey Wilson
• Megan Moroney
• Taylor Swift

Top Country Duo/Group

• Old Dominion
• Parmalee
• Zac Brown Band

Top Country Touring Artist

• George Strait
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen

Top Rock Artist

• Jelly Roll
• Noah Kahan
• Stephen Sanchez
• Steve Lacy
• Zach Bryan

Top Rock Duo/Group (NEW)

• Arctic Monkeys
• Foo Fighters
• Metallica

Top Rock Touring Artist

• Coldplay
• Depeche Mode
• Elton John

Top Latin Artist

• Bad Bunny
• Eslabon Armado
• Fuerza Regida
• Karol G
• Peso Pluma

Top Latin Male Artist

• Bad Bunny
• Peso Pluma
• Rauw Alejandro

Top Latin Female Artist

• Karol G
• ROSALÍA
• Shakira

Top Latin Duo/Group

• Eslabon Armado
• Fuerza Regida
• Grupo Frontera

Top Latin Touring Artist

• Daddy Yankee
• Karol G
• RBD

Top Global K-Pop Artist (NEW)

• Jimin
• NewJeans
• Stray Kids
• TOMORROW X TOGETHER
• TWICE

Top K-Pop Touring Artist (NEW)

• BLACKPINK
• SUGA
• TWICE

Top Afrobeats Artist (NEW)

• Burna Boy
• Libianca
• Rema
• Tems
• Wizkid

Top Dance/Electronic Artist

• Beyoncé
• Calvin Harris
• David Guetta
• Drake
• Tiësto

Top Christian Artist

• Brandon Lake
• Elevation Worship
• for KING & COUNTRY
• Lauren Daigle
• Phil Wickham

Top Gospel Artist

• CeCe Winans
• Elevation Worship
• Kanye West
• Kirk Franklin
• Maverick City Music

ALBUM AWARDS

Top Billboard 200 Album

• Drake & 21 Savage, Her Loss
• Metro Boomin, HEROES & VILLAINS
• Morgan Wallen, One Thing at a Time
• SZA, SOS
• Taylor Swift, Midnights

Top Soundtrack

• Barbie: The Album
• 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

Top Rap Album

• Drake & 21 Savage, Her Loss
• 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

Top Rock Album

• HARDY, the mockingbird & THE CROW
• Jelly Roll, Whitsitt Chapel
• Noah Kahan, Stick Season
• Steve Lacy, Gemini Rights
• Zach Bryan, American Heartbreak

Top Latin Album

• Bad Bunny, Un Verano Sin Ti
• Eslabon Armado, DESVELADO
• Ivan Cornejo, Dañado
• Karol G, MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO
• Peso Pluma, GÉNESIS

Top K-Pop Album (NEW)

• Jimin, FACE
• NewJeans, 2nd EP ‘Get Up’
• Stray Kids, 5-STAR
• TOMORROW X TOGETHER, The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION
• TWICE, READY TO BE: 12th Mini Album

Top Dance/Electronic Album

• Beyoncé, RENAISSANCE
• Drake, Honestly, Nevermind
• ILLENIUM, ILLENIUM
• Kim Petras, Feed the Beast
• Tiësto, DRIVE

Top Christian Album

• Anne Wilson, My Jesus
• 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
• Tye Tribbett, All Things New
• Whitney Houston, I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston
• Zacardi Cortez, Imprint (Live in Memphis)

SONG AWARDS

Top Hot 100 Song

• Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage, “Creepin’”
• Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”
• Morgan Wallen, “Last Night”
• SZA, “Kill Bill”
• Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”

Top Streaming Song

• Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”
• Morgan Wallen, “Last Night”
• 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”
• 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”

Top Collaboration

• David Guetta & Bebe Rexha, “I’m Good (Blue)”
• Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage, “Creepin’”
• Rema & Selena Gomez, “Calm Down”
• Sam Smith & Kim Petras, “Unholy”
• The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Die for You”

Top Billboard Global 200 Song

• Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”
• Rema & Selena Gomez, “Calm Down”
• SZA, “Kill Bill”
• Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”
• 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”
• 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”
• SZA, “Snooze”

Top Rap Song

• Coi Leray, “Players”
• Drake & 21 Savage, “Rich Flex”
• 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”
• 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”

Top Latin Song

• Eslabon Armado x Peso Pluma, “Ella Baila Sola”
• 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 (NEW)

• Fifty Fifty, “Cupid”
• Jimin, “Like Crazy”
• Jungkook ft. Latto, “Seven”
• NewJeans, “Ditto”
• NewJeans, “OMG”

Top Afrobeats Song (NEW)

• Ayra Starr, “Rush”
• Libianca, “People”
• Oxlade, “KU LO SA”
• Rema & Selena Gomez, “Calm Down”
• 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)”
• Elton John & Britney Spears, “Hold Me Closer”
• Tiësto ft. Tate McRae, “10:35”

Top Christian Song

• Brandon Lake, “Gratitude”
• 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”
• 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)”