The Story Behind Machine Gun Kelly’s $30,000 Billboard Awards Manicure

SHINYThe Story Behind Machine Gun Kelly’s $30,000 Billboard Awards Manicure His nails cost as much as a car and were encrusted with 880 diamonds.

By Christian Allaire

May 16, 2022

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Photo: Getty Images

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At tonight’s 2022 Billboard Music Awards, Machine Gun Kelly—who attended with fiancée Megan Fox by his side—was one of the many musical guests of honor. Not only is the artist performing tonight, but he’s also nominated for top rock artist. On the red carpet, Kelly leaned into his signature aesthetic by pairing a glitzy Dolce & Gabbana turtleneck top with a spiked suit. But it was his manicure that was the real star of the outfit: It’s valued at a cool $30,000.

If you’re wondering exactly how a manicure can cost as much as a car, the answer is that Kelly’s manicure was a collaboration between the nail brand Nails of LA and the jewelry label Marrow Fine. His nails were encrusted with 880 diamonds, in total valued at $30,000. 

Photo: Getty Images

This is far from the first time MGK has worn nail art. At the premiere of Good Mourning just this past week, for one, he hit the step and repeat in a graphic pink-and-green mani that matched his suit. (He also has his own nail polish line, a genderless nail collection titled Un/Dn Laqr.)

This look, however, is more than just a major beauty moment—it does some good, too. Seeing how such extravagance would be wasted on only one night of wear, Kelly plans to upcycle his manicure diamonds post-Billboards—by using them to create a collection of limited-edition rings which will be available on Marrow Fine’s website. 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated towards a to-be-announced charity in Cleveland, where the musician is from. 

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And now, learn about the history of manicures:

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