Billboard Awards: Stars honour Chris Cornell following Audioslave singer's death

A host of stars paid tribute to Chris Cornell at the Billboard Music Awards following the Soundgarden and Audioslave singer's death.

Rock band Imagine Dragons celebrated his influence before they performed at the Las Vegas award ceremony, where Drake beat Adele and Beyonce to win the top prize of Musician of the Year.

"Although tonight is a time to celebrate the music and artists of the past year, it's also a time to remember someone we lost this week. Soundgarden and Audioslave's Chris Cornell was a true innovator, a musical architect and a pioneer on the cutting edge of the Seattle grunge movement," said Dan Reynolds.

"He was a prolific songwriter, a legendary performer, a singer who had a voice for the ages and a philanthropic whose Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation helped so many children around the world."

He continued: "Even though Chris is gone, his legacy endures. We send our respects as well as our love to Chris' family at this time."

Musicians have been reeling after the grunge legend's death at the age of 52 on Thursday in what a medical examiner said was a suicide.

Radiohead, Coldplay and Calvin Harris were also among the British nominees.

The winners were decided by song sales over the past year, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social media interactions as tracked by Billboard.

Cher picked up an icon accolade and gave a dramatic performance on the night as did Ed Sheeran, Drake and Miley Cyrus.