Halsey and The Chainsmokers Gave a Tribute to Avicii at the Billboard Music Awards

Sunday night at the Billboard Music Awards, before announcing the winner of the Top Hot 100 Song, singer Halsey and EDM duo The Chainsmokers took a few minutes to honor Avicii — a Swedish EDM DJ who died last month. Though a statement was never released by police confirming his cause of death, a statement from Avicii’s family alluded to suicide.

“Before we get to the next award, we’d like to take a moment and talk about our friend Avicii,” said Alex Pall of The Chainsmokers.

His bandmate Andrew Taggart 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, who lives with bipolar disorder, said Avicii was a joy to work with, which made his passing that much more painful.

“It’s a reminder to all of us to be there and to support and love all of our friends and family members who may be struggling with mental health issues,” she said.

Nothing but love for Avicii from @TheChainsmokers & @halsey as they present the #BBMAs for Top Hot 100 Song. ???? pic.twitter.com/k89czVBrih

— Billboard Music Awards (@BBMAs) May 21, 2018

Later in the night, when The Chainsmokers accepted an award for  Top Dance/Electronic Artist, they gave another shoutout to Avicii, highlighting the influence he had on the music industry.

We want to dedicate this award to Avicii… [He] inspired all of us. Influenced our music. Influenced pop music, music in general, and he will be missed. I hope you’re somewhere, I hope you found peace. And we love you. Thank you.

#BBMAs

The Chainsmokers dedicate their award to the late Avicii ???? pic.twitter.com/gDZ8RupvEw

— BellaNaija (@bellanaija) May 21, 2018

Avicii, whose full name is Tim Bergling, was known for hits such as  “Le7els,” “Wake Me Up!,” ”The Days” and “You Make Me.”

In 2016, at the age of 26, Avicii announced he was retiring from live performances after a public battle with poor health. After he died on April 20 of this year, his family released a statement about the DJ’s mental health, describing him as an over-achieving perfectionist who “worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress.”

When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most – music.

He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness.

He could not go on any longer.

He wanted to find peace.

Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight.

Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed.

If this news is hard for you, know you are not alone — and there is help for people who are feeling suicidal. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.