The Weeknd, Drake, Bieber top nomination list at Billboard Awards

Toronto's The Weeknd is the top nominee heading into Sunday's Billboard awards. He'll be attending the show and is nominated 19 times, including the category for top artist — the night's biggest prize.

His competition includes Taylor Swift, Adele and two other Canadians: Justin Bieber and Drake.

Bieber has 12 nominations and is expected to perform his new song Company, while Drake is close behind with 11 nominations.

Other Canadian nominees include Alessia Cara for Top R&B song (Here). Céline Dion — who recently lost her husband and brother — will receive a lifetime achievement award and perform Queen's The Show Must Go On.

• Céline Dion opens up about life without René Angelil

It's one of many performances expected to be emotional.

Madonna will pay tribute to Prince, who died last month. Kesha will now sing live Sunday after her performance was initially cancelled by the record label she's been battling for months about her contract.

The show, airing live from Las Vegas, will open with a seven-minute medley from Britney Spears and other high energy performances from Pink and Rihanna will take place during the three-hour event.

"It's going to be a big, huge show and it's got something in there for everybody. It's going to have a lot of fun, but it's going to have a lot of emotion and heart this year," executive producer Mark Bracco said.

Madonna was met with criticism online after Billboard and Dick Clark Productions announced she would pay homage to Prince, who died on April 21 at age 57. The icons collaborated on Love Song in 1989.

Kesha was also in the heat of drama after Dr. Luke rescinded his decision to let her perform at the show. The hitmaking producer and his record label reversed the decision after Kesha said she would not use the stage to discuss their ongoing lawsuit. Kesha will sing a cover of Bob Dylan's It Ain't Me Babe.

Other performers include Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, the Go-Go's, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Tove Lo, Troye Sivan and Lukas Graham.

Adele — who also is up for top artist  — is premiering her new music video for Send My Love (To Your New Lover) at the awards show but won't attend.

• Adele says making 25 was 'the hardest process I've ever had'

Adele, Taylor Swift, Bieber and The Weeknd are also nominated for top Billboard 200 album, along with Ed Sheeran's X.

The Weeknd is a double nominee for Top 100 song with Can't Feel My Face and The Hills.

Ciara and Ludacris will host the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.