LAS VEGAS - Janet Jackson became just the seventh artist ever to receive the Billboard Music Awards’ Icon Award, accepting the honor Sunday night live on NBC at the MGM Garden Grand Arena.

Ed Sheeran was named top artist at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. Sheeran, who wasn't at the show, accepted the award via a videotaped message. He also sang "Galway Girl" via a taped performance.

Other big winners included Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars.

The ceremony, hosted by Kelly Clarkson, aired live on NBC.

Clarkson also performed, as did a slew of other artists, including BTS, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Khalid and Shawn Mendes, Zedd and Maren Morris along with Grey, Macklemore and Kesha, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa and Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue. Janet Jackson also performed and received this year's Icon Award.

Other artists used their spotlight to make feminist statements: Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato debuted their new duet, “Fall in Line,” a women’s empowerment anthem that addresses the way society polices young girls, while flanked by dancers dressed up as actual policemen. Taylor Swift used her acceptance speech for Top Female Artist to thank both the female artists who paved the way for her and the inspiring up-and-comers who are just picking up instruments and embarking on their careers

Story Date: May 26, 2018