Everyone knows that most performers make most of their money off of touring so it seems logical to have an awards show that reflects those who do it best. Of course the Billboard Touring Awards aren't going to give Slayer the award for best touring act as a publication such as SPIN might, but it's a start.
Actually, Billboard doesn't do "best" at all when it comes to the year's tours. Instead, since the publication puts such emphasis on the industry, things are organized by "top," or who made the most money on tour. This year's big earner was One Direction, who won both Top Draw and Top Tour. Perhaps a more interesting was that for Best Package, which measures an act along with the level of talent it brings on tour with it. Katy Perry took this trophy thanks to her inclusion of rising stars Kacey Musgraves, Tegan & Sara, and Capital Cities on her Prismatic Tour.
Florida Georgia Line took the prize for Breakthrough act, The Rolling Stones earned Best Boxscore for their three night stay at the Tokyo Dome. One act managed to show to up to collect: Lionel Richie, who took home the ceremony's Legend of Live Award.
One category that gets overlooked among the trophies going to the typical celebrity winners was that of the best live venues, truly the highlight of the Billboard Touring Awards for those keeping track of the music industry. Five concert hosts take home prizes depending on size and style of the building. The best venue with less than 5,000 seats went to The Colosseum at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, while less than 10,000 went to Radio City Music Hall. The U.S. also earned the Top Club prize for the Boston House of Blues location. Top Amphitheater went to Toronto's Molson Canadian Amphitheatre and Top Arena went to The O2 in London.
Coachella was victorious in the Top Festival category.
