TGJ Roundtable: Billboard Music Awards 2022 Review [#BBMAs]

Welcome to the latest
TGJ Roundtable!

Over the years, That Grape Juice has established a distinguished voice that – whether loved or loathed – sparks discussion, debate, and on occasion drama!

Though comprised of seasoned writers who share a similar outlook on Urban Pop culture, the idiosyncrasies of the TGJ team members often lend for quite heated debates “behind the scenes” about the hottest topics.

Now, we give you a front-row seat to the show. In a format similar to ‘The View’ or ‘The Real’, TGJ editors – Sam, Rashad, Joe, and Ryan – get real in a very candid way.

Today’s roundtable topic asks each anchor their thoughts on the…

Billboard Music Awards 2022

Sam

Historically, I’ve found the Billboard Music Awards to be one of the more predictable shows given that its winners are largely based on measurable data already in the public domain.

As such, the enlisting of Diddy as host was refreshing. His reputation precedes him and his brand of unpredictableness typically makes for great entertainment.

So, while the show was far from perfect, I did appreciate his attempt at shaking up the format. From that killer opening – featuring the likes of Jack Harlow, Bryson Tiller, and Teyana Taylor – to pouring drinks in the audience to doing away with teleprompters at points. Enjoyable stuff.

Also rousing were performances from the likes of Megan Thee Stallion and Latto.

The Hot Girl Coach made stage blazing look oh so easy, and ignited with confidence and charisma that reaffirmed why she is one of the top-tier talents to emerge from the new school.

And while Latto’s mic issues were hard to ignore, there’s no denying that she delivered her best live performance to date. Elevating from bussing a 1-2 whine, she incorporated a full-on dance break and worked the entirety of the stage.

I’ll keep saying it, but these days it’s the Rap girls that are giving the type of pyrotechnic performances expected from Pop girls. And I’m here for the pivot.

The night’s top highlight for me was seeing the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul Mary J Blige ordinated with the Billboard Icon honor. Indeed, the whole segment gave me the feels. From Janet Jackson’s eloquent introduction to MJB’s powerful speech, it was royalty all around.

Doja Cat’s reaction was pretty much me the entire time.

Elsewhere, I commend the nod given to the international music scene with the energetic performances from Rauw Alejandro and Burna Boy. Maxwell‘s ‘Thriller’ 40th-anniversary performance of ‘The Lady In My Life’ was a sweet treat too.

So, while super rough around the edges (far too many awkward/unpolished moments), I still somewhat applaud the overall effort that went into the BBMAs.

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Rashad

Does BBMAs stand for Big Ball of Missing Action? Because from where I stood, that’s all it amounted to.

Miss Stallion offered her usual doses of high octane performance, but the ‘Plan B’ / ‘Sweetest Pie’ combo didn’t seem like the best mixture. I think it’s time we lay the latter to rest.

Other stand-out performers came in the form of Silk Sonic, Rauw Alejandro, and Latto.

The latter – despite the technical issues – rendered her best TV performance to date and makes me hopeful she has even more to give! Artist development is such a joy to watch.

As far as the winners go, the BBMAs leave little to discuss there as any chart-watcher already knows who will take home what before the show even airs.

The biggest misses were MJB not performing a small Medley of hits (a la most Icon award recipients) and the absence of a fuller ‘Thriller’ tribute. Max did well (no pun), but I would have loved to see more acts perform tunes from the legendary LP.

And while I appreciate the energy Diddy brought as host (even though I felt it was a bit over the top sometimes), the show was still just ok. C+

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Ryan

Well, another year, another Billboard Music Award show has come and gone. This year, it was better that it had gone, believe me. In all fairness, the show did not open on a bad note and Diddy really did put on a decent showing, however, from there it was just all downhill. Mainly, his hosting abilities. No, really, I would rather listen to a DJ Khaled Ted Talk than listen to Diddy host one more award show.

I can barely tell you who performed it was that forgettable. And the moments I do remember aren’t always for the best. Now, I love me some ‘Big Energy,’ but Latto gave a performance that was stiffer than a week-old baguette.

If you invested in earplugs, then after Machine Gun Kelly’s performance you likely saw your stock increase thanks to his tone-deaf performance.

I love Miranda Lambert, but I’ll just say that performance was fun and leave it at that.

However, there were some decent to good stage performances. Silk Sonic was by far the best of the night. From the tight choreography to the soulful vocals, Bruno and Anderson came up and showed out.

Florence + the Machine stunned with a vibrant rendition of ‘My Love.’ If you haven’t checked out their most recent album, ‘Dance Fever,’ do so. It is one of the year’s best.

Megan Thee Stallion delivered the most sultry showing of the night, and while she may be a rapper, she continues to prove that she can be just as strong as a performer.

But, yeah, that’s the recap. I wish I could say more, but when award shows are feeding us crumbs these days, it’s hard to make bread out of that. Here’s to hoping next year we get something better.

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Do you agree with our picks? Who was spot on? Let us know your thoughts on the latest TGJ Roundtable and your thoughts on the BBMAs 2022.

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: Getty / BBMAs]

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