Picture it: The year is 2002 and you’re probably about to get the party started.
In honor of the 2022 Billboard Music Awards on May 15, we’re stepping back in time to what the big night looked like exactly 20 years ago. Back then, artists like Jennifer Lopez, Pink, and Eminem dominated the music charts and earned themselves numerous nominations during the awards ceremony.
But they weren’t the only stars who were just getting started in 2002. After all, it would be three years before Nickelback—who attended and performed as one of the most popular groups at the time—would capture the height of nostalgia with their 2005 single, “Photograph.”
And in a twist of fate that they probably didn’t see coming, Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake attended the star-studded show separately—only to start dating 5 years later. While Jessica came as a guest and shined on the red carpet, her future hubby was there to perform, hitting the stage to sing his hit “Cry Me a River.”
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Best Dressed Ever at the Billboard Music Awards
Lizzo
In 2020, the singer wore a black and white custom Christian Siriano dress that encouraged people to vote in the then upcoming election.
Rihanna
All suited up! This 2011 Max Azria look is just as chic today as it was a decade ago.
Lil Nas X
The rapper had fans comparing him to Prince in 2020, arriving in a snake-skin print Gucci suit over a pussy-bow blouse. He completed the look with black leather boots, Bvlgari rings, black dangling earrings, tinted sunglasses and a side-swept wet-and-wavy mullet.
Britney Spears
In 2016, the princess of flashed her rock hard abs in a blue-silver sparkling two-piece set by Charbel Zoe.
Nick Jonas
The Jonas Brothers member looked effortlessly cool in a full emerald green ensemble by Fendi in 2021.
Priyanka Chopra
In 2019, the actress brought a splash of sultry Hollywood glamour to the Billboard Music Awards red carpet in this plunging white sequined dress from Zuhair Murad.
Alicia Keys
The “Fallin” singer wore a fun pink Valentino crop top, trousers, and wrap, accessorized with Messika jewels in 2021.
Jennifer Lopez
J.Lo blew the 2014 crowd away in this striking ruby Donna Karan design.
Saweetie
In 2021, the rapper popped in a peach-colored ruffled gown from Giambattista Valli, featuring cascading petals at the chest, tulle skirt and a high-slit.
Julianne Hough
At the 2019 ceremony, the ballroom pro posed in a glamorous take on the short suit set by Genny,
Taylor Swift
Look what you made her do! The pop star marked the 2015 show with this showstopping Balmain jumpsuit.
Sophie Turner
The Games Of Thrones alum went for a fabulous futuristic look with a silver embroidered jumpsuit by Louis Vuitton in 2019.
Katy Perry
In 2012, the pop star envisioned a “Teenage Dream” with this lavender Blumarine gown.
Maluma
In 2019, the Columbian singer showed off a rainbow streaked snake-skin moto-jacket and pants combo.
Selena Gomez
One word: Sultry! Ms. Gomez showcases her sleek physique in a black cutout Dolce & Gabbana gown at the 2012 show.
BTS
In 2018, K-pop’s hottest boy band went all out in coordinating Gucci threads.
But enough about the epic event from us, keep reading to take a look back for yourself:
