In total, prizes were awarded in 19 categories during the gala, including for best female and male hip-hop artist, best group, best newcomer, best film and best sporting performance.
Singer and rapper Doja Cat topped the list with six nominations, followed by Drake and Ari Lennox with four nominations each.
Singer Bruno Mars received an award for this year’s album for his “An evening with silk sonic” and the song “Essence” by Wizkid, Justin Bieber and Tems received an award for best collaboration.
Artists such as Lil Wayne, Babyface, Chlöe and Muni Long performed during the gala. So did Cardi B, who hinted that she will release new music in July, when the single “Hot shit” will be released. Kanye West also showed up and paid tribute to Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs and who has previously been known by the artist names Puff Daddy and P. Diddy.
Several of the artists also aired their views on US abortion laws during the gala.