Sam Smith was up against a few tough adversaries for the title of Top Male Artist at tonight's (May 17) Billboard Music Awards ceremonies: Drake, Pharrell Williams, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake and his own throat. As award presenter Celine Dion announced, Smith was unable to attend the ceremony, as he is in New York recovering from vocal surgery.

He didn't let that stop him from having what will likely be the best award acceptance of the night, though: Smith claimed his title via video, mutely using flashcards to express his gratitude for the award, and to have fun with some of those in attendance. Check out a video of the proceedings below.

"And lastly, seeing as you guys are in Vegas," one card read.

"Taylor [Swift]... put a 100 on black for me :)," read his next two cards. His next few messages went as follows: "Nicki [Minaj]... oh... my... god... look at her bum! And Ed [Sheeran]... I've organized a special dance for you at... Chippendales. Good night and turn up! BLBL x." Smith then gave a bow, and so concluded the setting of the award acceptance bar that nobody else will reach tonight. Bob Dylan would certainly be proud.

And in two non-televised awards, Smith picked up the trophies for Best New Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist.

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