Billboard Music Awards 2018: Chainsmokers and Halsey pay tribute to Avicii

'His passing was a great loss for the music world and for us'

Before presenting the Top Hot 100 Song winner at this year’s Billboard awards, The Chainsmokers and Halsey paid tribute to Avicii, the influential DJ who died earlier this year.

“We’d like to take a moment to talk about our friend Avicii,” Alex Pal of The Chainsmokers told the audience.

Drew Taggart, also of The Chainsmakers, continued: “His passing was a great loss for the music world and for us. He was an artist who inspired so many in so many ways, and simply put, he meant so much to us and everyone in the EDM community.”

Halsey added: “Everyone who worked with him would agree that he was such a joy and it makes this tragedy all the more painful. It’s a reminder to all of us to be there to support and love all our friends family members who may be struggling with mental health issues.”

The Swedish DJ, best known for the international hits “Wake Me Up” and “Levels” died aged 28 in April.

Also at the Billboard awards, Janet Jackson received the Icon Award, while Kelly Clarkson opened the ceremony calling for action against gun violence. You can see the full winners list here.