The 2013 Billboard Music Awards are preparing for landing.
Without question, one of the most highly anticipated events on the industry’s calendar, the line-up of artists performing and also nominated this year should whet most music lovers’ appetites whatever their persuasion.
Billboard has now released its confirmed slate of artist collaborations and solo artists for the event.
So, to the solo performances:
Justin Bieber will perform “Take You” at the show. A mid-tempo, modern R&B favorite with crowds on his Believe tour.
For the past three months, in particular, the Canadian has been in the headlines either for his exploits on the road or his stormy love life.
Having just completed the first leg of a massively successful but controversy-laden tour, the 19-year-old will likely be looking to pull the focus firmly back onto his music.
Shut out of the 55th Grammy Awards this year, the Billboard Music Awards are also the first major awards event this year for Bieber to make his presence felt. The teen is also one of a trio contending for the Chevrolet sponsored Milestone Award.
Another artist with a little something to prove is Chris Brown. The 24-year-old, who recently revealed his upcoming album X (due July 16) will feature a track “They Don’t Know” with vocals from the late Aaliyah, will perform the up-tempo R&B, Michael Jacksonesque “Fine China” at the show.
Selena Gomez will perform the pop single ” Come and Get It” from her upcoming summer album Stars Dance . Currently number 4 on iTunes and scoring top 10 positions in a number of Billboard charts , the actress-singer’s performance this weekend will likely bump those stats.
Swedish DJ pop duo Icona Pop, will perform brassy pop gem “I Love It,” while a Billboard Music Awards debut by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performing hip-hop curiosity”Thrift Shop” is also on the cards.
Miguel is all over the airwaves right now with Mariah Carey on their new single “#Beautiful,” but come Sunday the 27-year-old will unleash neo-classic “Adorn” from his Kaleidoscope album on an no doubt appreciative audience.
Another male solo star who’s been up and down Billboard’s charts for the past year is Bruno Mars, who’ll be bringing the funk to the evening with “Treasure,” a surprising cut from his album Unorthodox Jukebox .
Other solo acts will include Taylor Swift performing “22” from her album chart slayer Red . Country star Kacey Musgraves is set to unravel “Merry Go Round,” while The Band Perry will deliver “Better Dig Two.”
Grammy Award nominated Brit troubadour Ed Sheeran will unwrap his guitar for “Lego House.” Prince’s song set hasn’t yet been revealed, but seeing as he is Billboard’s Icon Award recipient this year, only the foolish would bet against it being something worth waiting for.
If, for some unfathomable reason, none of the above tickles, it’s unlikely the collaborations will. But, for those who are excited about the team-ups on offer, here they are:
Living up to his promise of “something different” for the show, Bieber and will.i.am will drop electro track “#that power,” while Christina Aguilera, the ubiquitous Pitbull and a special guest will throw down “Feel This Moment.”
French dance titan David Guetta, Ne-Yo and Akon will drop “Play Hard,” while Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull (again) will “Live It Up.” Young Money stars Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne will take to the stage with “High School,” a cut from Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded -The Re-Up .
In just three days, Billboard’s big night touches down and with any luck it will be a riot of music and fun. With over 45 awards to be fought and won, artists from every genre attending, Miley Cyrus, South Korean superstar PSY, Shania Twain, Ke$ha and Hayden Panettiere and more presenting, and Tracy Morgan hosting — this may be one for the ages.
The 2013 Billboard Music Awards will air live from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand on Sunday, May 19 on abc at 8/7 c.