2018 Billboard Music Awards: Halsey, The Chainsmokers Pay Tribute To Avicii

Halsey and The Chainsmokers led the 2018 Billboard Music Award's short tribute to the late electronic dance music star Avicii.

Remembering Avicii

On Sunday, May 20, in the middle of handing awards to the winners of this year's ceremony, the artists took the stage to remember the Swedish DJ exactly a month after he was pronounced dead.

"His passing was a great loss for the music world and for us," said Andrew Taggart. "He was an artist that inspired so many in so many ways, and simply put, but he meant so much to us and everyone in the EDM community."

On April 20, the world awoke to the sad news that Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was found dead in his hotel room in Muscat, Oman. While he suffered from health issues that eventually forced him to retire from touring, his death was suspected to be a suicide.

"Everyone that worked with him would agree that he was such a joy and it makes this tragedy all the more painful," Halsey added, "and it's a reminder to all of us to be there and to support and love all of our friends and family members who may be struggling with mental health issues."

Later that evening, the Chainsmokers, who collected their award for Top Dance/Electronic Album, dedicated their win to Bergling.

"None of us would be here. Everyone that was nominated for this award was massively influenced by him," they said. "He is someone who made us believe that this was a realistic career, something we could do with our lives. [He] inspired all of us, influence our music, influenced pop music, music in general. He will be missed. I hope you found peace; we love you."

Avicii's most recent album, AVĨCI (01), was also nominated in the same category.

Diplo Pays Tribute To Avicii

The love of the music industry for the late electronic music star was apparent at the 2018 BBMA on Sunday night. At the red carpet, American DJ and record producer Diplo said that Avicii was a major influence on his music and thanked the Swedish artist for taking EDM to the next level.

He recalled seeing the artist behind the hit single "Wake Me Up" last August at Burning Man. Diplo added that Avicii traveled a lot during his final months.

Tags

Avicii, BBMA 2018, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Diplo