For my sixth consecutive year, I made the trek out west to Sin City on the weekend before Memorial Day to cover the Billboard Music Awards. This year, due to I presume the Vegas Golden Nights’ deep playoff run, the broadcast relocated from the T-Mobile Arena to its original home – the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The BBMAs also switched networks, moving from ABC to NBC. Despite the changes, the Billboard Music Awards held true to its trademark of celebrating the past, present and future of music in both the awards handed out and the performances showcased.

In addition to covering the show and interviewing artists backstage, I also served as the warm-up act for the broadcast. This was the fifth straight year that dick clark productions asked me to join the production in this capacity, and I could not have been more honored to stand on-stage in front of thousands, including many artists I adore, while previewing the big night ahead.

Check our interviews and photos from the event below.

You know her from #FifthHarmony but tonight, @Normani performs at an award show for the first time as a solo artist on the @BBMAs stage. We chatted with her for a hot second backstage yesterday. @92profm @955PLJ #WestwoodOne #BBMAs pic.twitter.com/4MUuXlbtSw

— Ralphie Aversa (@ralphieaversa) May 20, 2018

THIS will be one of the big moments from tonight's #BBMAs : @TheSaltNPepa taking the stage with @EnVogueMusic! Chatted about it with Terry and Rhona from En Vogue yesterday. #WhattaMan #WestwoodOne @955PLJ @92profm pic.twitter.com/DB7DrIK96i

— Ralphie Aversa (@ralphieaversa) May 20, 2018