That’s a tall order, but Jonas is up to the challenge when he hosts the 2021 Billboard Music Awards for the very first time this weekend. In a new interview with the Pop Shop Podcast (listen below), the musician/actor talks about what the BBMAs mean to him, whose performances he’s looking forward to, what surprises he has in store, and how he’s doing following his on-set injury over the weekend.
Why the BBMAs are a big deal: “I think the Billboard Awards are special to an artist because it sort of encapsulates your chart achievement, and it’s always an artist’s dream to be on the Hot 100 or the Billboard 200. These are things that you dream about as a kid and you grow up — I did, at least — reading Billboard magazine and loving seeing the different artists that would make an impact. To have something to commemorate that is really incredible. I’ve always loved it and loved the energy at the show, and I think it’s going to be one of the most special ones, all things considered this year.”
If he’ll have any music moments as host: “There is something that I have up my sleeve, which I don’t want to give too much away, but may include two guys that I happen to be related to. I’ll just leave it at that and try to keep the surprise intact.”
How many costume changes he’s planning: “I’ve got to figure that piece of the puzzle out. I want to bring the A-game on the ‘fits, you know? So I’ve got to make sure I dig in and get that going.”
Which performers he’s most looking forward to: “BTS, of course. I always love watching them do their thing. The Weeknd — so many. Bad Bunny’s incredible; I know he’s going to kill it.”
Getting a sneak peek at rehearsals: “I think as the host, I get automatic approval and right to sneak into whatever rehearsals I want to make sure it’s all going smooth. So I’ll probably do a little bit of that.”
How he’s preparing: “It’s a very different show than it usually is out in Vegas and the whole ordeal. So I’ve been working really closely with the team on the show, who I’ve known for a long time, to make sure we bring something really unique and special to this year that will stand out, and using some of the limitations [due to COVID] as an opportunity to bring something really special to the fans at home. [And] just kind of physically making sure I’m all good — which I’m feeling great at the moment and recovering nicely.”
The 2021 Billboard Music Awards air Sunday night, May 23, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC. The Weeknd is the night’s leading finalist with nods in 16 categories. Find the full list of finalists here. Plus, the JoBros announced Wednesday (May 19) that they’re hitting the road for the 44-date Remember This summer tour; find all the dates here.
Also on the show, Keith & Katie talk Hot 100 news about Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) scoring a second week at No. 1 with “Leave the Door Open,” Dua Lipa hitting a new peak of No. 2 with “Levitating,” and J. Cole’s “Interlude” debuting at No. 8. Plus, Moneybagg Yo’s A Gangsta’s Pain returns to the top of the Billboard 200.
The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s deputy editor, digital, Katie Atkinson and senior director of Billboard charts Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)
The Billboard Music Awards are produced by dick clark productions, which is owned by MRC. MRC and Penske Media are co-parent companies of Billboard.
