El Paso star Khalid wins best new artist at Billboard Music Awards, gives shoutout to city

El Paso star Khalid won the top new artist at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In his acceptance speech, Khalid thanked his mother and said, "I want to give a shoutout to the city of El Paso, Texas."

He also voiced his support for youths and dreamers, saying the only people who can stand in their way are themselves.

The 2018 Billboard Music Awards paid tribute to the students and teachers affected by recent deadly shootings in Texas and Florida, while the night also featured show-stopping performances by iconic singer Janet Jackson and K-pop group BTS.

A tearful and emotional Kelly Clarkson, who hosted the awards, opened the show in honor of the 10 people who died Friday at Santa Fe High School near Houston, barely able to speak as she urged the audience and the world to do more to prevent deadly shootings from happening. She said she was asked to hold a moment of silence, but chose instead to call for "a moment of action."

"Once again we're grieving for more kids that have died ... I'm so sick of moment of silences ... it's not working," she said, almost in tears. "Mommies and daddies should be able to send their kids to school."

Shawn Mendes and Khalid were joined onstage by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Show Choir for the song "Youth," a performance occurring three months after 17 people were killed at the school in Parkland, Fla.

Mendes and the choir members wore sweaters that read "Youth," while Khalid's shirt read "Protect Our Guns Children" with "Guns" crossed out.

Previous honors for Khalid

Khalid, who graduated from Americas High School, also won the award for Best New Artist during the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards in August, when he was up against singer-songwriter Julia Michaels; rapper Kodak Black; Noah Cyrus; alternative-R&B singer SZA; and New York rapper Young M.A.

More: Khalid named Best New Artist at MTV Video Music Awards

More: Khalid named one of the most influential teens in 2017

“I’ve got to thank the city of El Paso for standing behind me. This isn’t just for me — this is for the city,” Khalid said then after accepting his MTV "Moon Man" award.

He also was named one of the most influential teenagers in 2017 by TIME Magazine.

TIME cited the success of his album "American Teen," platinum hits and MTV music award as reasons for making the list.

Khalid's debut album "American Teen" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of America for sales of more than 1 million units.

2018 Billboard Music Award winners

A list of winners in the top categories at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, held Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Top Hot 100 song: "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber

Top Billboard 200 album: "DAMN." by Kendrick Lamar

Top artist: Ed Sheeran

Top new artist: Khalid

Top female artist: Taylor Swift

Top male artist: Ed Sheeran

Top streaming songs artist: Kendrick Lamar

Top song sales artist: Ed Sheeran

Top radio songs artist: Ed Sheeran

Top duo/group: Imagine Dragons

Top R&B artist: Bruno Mars

Top rap artist: Kendrick Lamar

Top country artist: Chris Stapleton

Top rock artist: Imagine Dragons

Top Latin artist: Ozuna

Top dance/electronic artist: The Chainsmokers

Top Christian artist: MercyMe

Top gospel artist: Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Top social artist: BTS

Top touring artist: U2

Chart achievement award: Camila Cabello

Icon award: Janet Jackson

Source: Associated Press