Cardi B Leads 2019 br 'Billboard' Music Awards br With 21 Nominations Cardi likes her nominationsbr like that. The rapper fell just short of the record br for most 'Billboard' nominations, set by Drake and The Chainsmokers br with 22 nominations each in 2017. Cardi made history earlier this year when br she became the first solo female rapper br to win the Grammy for best rap album. The 26-year-old is nominated for br top artist against Drake, Ariana Grande, br Post Malone and Travis Scott. Drake and Post Malone tied for br the second-most nominations, br with 17 nominations each. Kelly Clarkson will return as host of br the 2019 'Billboard' Music Awards. The broadcast will air live on NBC, Wednesday, May 1, at 8 p.m. EST.