SANTA MONICA, CA (March 30, 2015) – ABC and dick clark productions have announced that the “2015 Billboard Music Awards” is set to return to ABC and will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on SUNDAY, MAY 17 at 8pm ET. The show will showcase this year’s hottest musical acts and biggest music stars. TV host and supermodel Chrissy Teigen will host with hip-hop superstar and actor Ludacris, who returns to host for the second consecutive year and whose eighth studio album, “Ludaversal,” will be released tomorrow.
“If my extensive collection of all 53 ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ compilations is any indication, I am both qualified and honored to join Ludacris in hosting this amazing show that spotlights the best music and artists of the year,” said Teigen.
“I had so much fun hosting the Billboard Music Awards last year and I can’t wait to be back!” said Ludacris.
The “2015 Billboard Music Awards” finalists will be announced on Tuesday, April 7. Tune in to “Good Morning America” that morning when Ludacris and Pete Wentz reveal a portion of the “2015 Billboard Music Awards” finalist categories.
About “2014 Billboard Music Awards”
ABC’s 3-hour broadcast of the “2014 Billboard Music Awards” delivered an across-the-board win, topping the 8:00-11:00 p.m. time slot in Total Viewers, all key Adults (AD18-34/AD18-49/AD25-54) and Teens 12-17.
Surging by 1.2 million viewers year to year (10.7 million vs. 9.5 million) to deliver its 2nd consecutive year of growth, the “2014 Billboard Music Awards” scored its most-watched telecast in 13 years and equaled an 11-year high in Adults 18-49 – since 2001 and 2003, respectively. In addition, the annual show was also up for the 2nd consecutive year with Teens 12-17 (+6%) to deliver its top rating in 10 years – since 2004.
The “2014 Billboard Music Awards” was the No. 1 most social program on the Sunday it aired with 5,450,160 tweets, shooting up 25% year to year (vs. 4,358,169 tweets on 5/19/13) for its highest number ever.
About Chrissy Teigen
Known for her clever, irreverent yet savvy tweets and Instagram photos, 2014 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model and television host Chrissy Teigen is also the founder and author of SoDelushious.com. Teigen is currently working on her first cookbook and next up will be seen as commentator on Spike TV’s “Lip Sync Battle premiering April 2nd. Teigen will also co-host the new nationally syndicated talk show “The FAB Life,” which will premiere this fall.
About Ludacris
The career of the multitalented CHRIS “LUDACRIS” BRIDGES, can best be described as remarkable. As a recording artist, he has sold more than 15 million albums domestically, placed four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and has charted 36 top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including five No. 1s. Thanks to the blockbuster success of such singles as “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker” and “My Chick Bad.” All of these records were accompanied by ingenious videos that demonstrated Bridges’ far-reaching imagination, and his willingness to stretch the boundaries of what rap videos should look and feel like.
With an unrivaled match of lyrical acumen, wit, and imagery, Bridges has solidified himself as one of music’s premier entertainers. Although he’s best known for his infectious tunes, Ludacris has shown that he’s equally adept at writing powerful songs with serious subject matter, including runaways, with the song “Runaway Love.” Bridges’ versatility and artistic complexity also enabled him to make a seamless transition to acting.
Most recently, he starred in Furious 7, the seventh installment in the global box-office hit franchise. His other feature film credits include Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious 6; Fast Five; 2 Fast 2 Furious; Garry Marshall’s ensemble comedy New Year’s Eve; and Ivan Reitman’s romantic comedy, No Strings Attached, opposite Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman. His acclaimed performances in film, (Crash, Hustle & Flow), and television, (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), have Hollywood and critics alike buzzing about his increasingly impressive screen resume. Stepping back into the studio, he is also now wowing fans with his 8th studio album, Ludaversal.
A consummate businessman, Ludacris is enjoying success outside of entertainment. His latest venture includes a highly anticipated new restaurant coming soon to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport. His philanthropic efforts rival his entertainment accomplishments. He also partnered with Crash writer/director Paul Haggis and Artists for Peace and Justice to help raise more than $4 million for Haitian relief efforts. In addition to that, he has raised more than $100,000 for disaster victims through The Ludacris Foundation. Having partnered with Jane Fonda, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and Nelson Mandela, to name a few, The Ludacris Foundation continues to inspire youth through education.
