[9] The ceremony was sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink, Security Benefit, Hot Tools, and Xfinity.
[13] In addition, Billboard has partnered with Trae and his non-profit organization, Angels by Nature, to create the awards show's first-ever non-fungible token (NFT).
[14] Although country singer Morgan Wallen earned six nominations this year, Billboard Music Awards producers announced that Wallen was not invited to attend the ceremony, due to a video released earlier this year by TMZ of him using a racial slur while with his friends in Nashville.
[15][16] In a statement, the production company noted, "Since his recent conduct does not align with our core values, we will not be including him on the show in any capacity (performing, presenting, accepting).
Attendees would be required to show their vaccination card before entering the venue, complete wellness screenings, have their temperature taken, sit in dedicated audience seating, and wear facial coverings at all times.
NBC's Today Show revealed the finalists for Top Hot 100 Artist live in the Pop Start segment.
[29][30] Finalists in all categories were announced during the first-ever Billboard Music Awards - The List Live, which was streamed on social media platforms on April 29, 2021.
Finalists were presented by Finneas, Maggie Baird, Luis Fonsi, Jon Batiste, Tate McRae, Anitta, Bretman Rock, Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Chris Sullivan, Jay Pharoah, Kandi Burruss, Kyle Richards, Leslie Jordan, Lisa Rinna, the New Voices Bay Area TIGQ Chorus, Nick DiGiovanni, Paris Hilton, Rob Gronkowski, Tanya Rad, Brad Goreski, Tika the Iggy, Tim Anderson, and Wisdom Kaye.
In addition, Hall and Milan discussed the award categories, key finalist chart achievements and records.