The 2020 ceremony was originally scheduled to be held April 29, 2020 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Kelly Clarkson was announced as the host. She had previously hosted the 2018 and 2019 ceremonies. On March 17th, NBC and Dick Clark Productions issued a joint statement postponing the ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the statement, they stated "[in] accordance with the current guidelines set forth by national and local health officials and in order to ensure the health and safety of our artists, fans, guests and staff, [w]e are postponing the Billboard Music Awards." On August 14 of the same year, the show was rescheduled for October 14. On September 22, the nominees for all categories were announced. The first round of performers were announced September 29. Garth Brooks received the Icon Award, as announced on February 26, 2020; succeeding Mariah Carey, who won the award in 2019. Killer Mike received the inaugural Change Maker Award, as announced two days before the ceremony. Voting for fan-voted categories opened on dance video platform TikTok on October 1. TikTok and Xfinity sponsored the ceremony.