Kelly Clarkson thrills the crowd with electrifying opening act while hosting ...

It was her second time hosting the awards show. 

And Kelly Clarkson made the most of her opportunity on Wednesday night, thrilling the crowd with an electrifying opening medley at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 37-year-old songstress even impressed Cardi B with a scintillating recreation of her Best Rap Song award winning hit, I Like It.  

The American Idol-winning songstress began her hosting duties with a skit that poked fun at her Academy of Country Music Awards mishap earlier this year.

At the event, Kelly was mistaken for a seat filler by security - and she recreated the embarrassing scenario with New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski playing a guard who again tries to eject her from her seat. 

So Clarkson attempts to prove she's truly the show's host, by busting into a medley of current hits, including songs by BTS and Cardi B.

In fact, her rendition of Cardi's I Like It drew applause from the rap superstar herself as she watched on from her seat.  

However 'Gronk' is unmoved and despite her protests that she's the host, Clarkson is dragged away by the NFL star. 

Clarkson wore a host of flattering outfits for her hosting duties.

The Since U Been Gone hitmaker took to the red carpet in a shimmering, high neck black gown.

A thigh-high split revealed her rainbow-strapped stilettos, as well as the singer's shapely gams. 

For her opening medley, Kelly swapped the restrictive gown for a little black dress that allowed her to dance more freely.

She paired the classic LBD with a pair of ankle boots.

The Grammy-winning musical artist wore her wavy blonde tresses loose and cascading across her shoulders for the performance. 

Chart-toppers of all genres will celebrate their success at the Billboard Music Awards tonight.

The performance-heavy honors are set to impress as they take the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Kicking off the Kelly Clarkson-hosted festivities, Taylor Swift will regale audiences with a rendition her brand new track ME! besides Panic At The Disco frontman Brendon Urie.

And though she hasn't had an album since 2017's Reputation, the 23-time Billboard winner is also nominated for the Top Female Artist and Top Touring Artist awards tonight.

The Jonas Brothers will serenade the crowd with their ear-worm Sucker while superstar Mariah Carey is set to take the stage to since her classic Always Be My Baby and new track A No No. 

Performer Ariana Grande will not appear in person, but will offer a rendition of her favorite 7 Rings, which was Pre-recorded from the Sweetener World Tour at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

Madonna is joining forces with Colombian crooner Maluma for a live performance of their track Medellin. (The star reportedly shelled out $5m of her own money for the lavish performance, according to TMZ.)

Halsey will team up with K-pop hotshots BTS as they grace their second ever Billboards.

And Paula Abdul will perform a medley of her greatest hits as the evening's recipient of The Icon Award.

Also set to hit the stage: Ciara, Lauren Daigle, Dan + Shay, Tori Kelly, Khalid, and Panic! At The Disco.

And there are plenty of trophies to hand out this evening. 

Cardi B has the most nominations, competing 21 times in 18 categories - almost beating Drake and The Chainsmokers records for most noms. 

The Bronx talent will even compete against herself in three categories, as she's up for honors in top Hot 100 song, as well as top selling song, and top collaboration.

Meanwhile, Post Malone and Drake follow close behind with a commendable 17 nominations a piece. Travis Scott joins the elite nominees with 12 nods.

Fans can expect an A-list collection of presenters as well. 

Among the presenters: Asher Angel, Becky G, Chrissy Metz & Justin Hartley, Cobie Smulders, Dave Bautista & Kumail Nanjiani, David Guetta, Erin & Sara Foster, Eva Longoria, Florida Georgia Line, Jennifer Hudson, Jesse Spencer, Julia Michaels, Julianne Hough, Kane Brown, Olivia Wilde, Beanie Feldstein & Kaitlyn Dever, Ralph Macchio, Rob Gronkowski, Ross Lynch & Kiernan Shipka, Sabrina Carpenter, Sophie Turner & Tye Sheridan, Terry Crews and William Zabka.

The Billboard Music Awards will air Wednesday May 1 at 8pm EST on NBC.