The 2011 Billboard Music Awards took place last night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Singer Justin Bieber and rapper Eminem (who was a no-show) were the evening’s big winners taking home 6 awards each with the 38-year-old rapper taking the top honor for artist of the year. Teen heartthrob Justin and his girlfriend Selena Gomez kissed passionately after he accepted his 2nd award.
Bieber, 17, won awards for top pop album, streaming artist and song, as well as social and digital media artist, according to Reuters.
Her star has faded but Rihanna can’t be touched when her makeup is flawless and her hair is on point. Rihanna’s ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, who pleaded guilty to beating the breaks off her in 2009, didn’t attend the awards.
Singer Taylor Swift won 3 golden statuettes. And Rihanna won three awards including top female and top radio artist of the year. Britney Spears joined Rihanna to sing a scorching remix of “S&M”. Also performing: rapper Nicki Minaj, singer Cee-Lo Green, who flew through the air while singing a medley of his hits. Pop singer Neil Diamond, 70, won the icon award before performing his 1969 hit, “Sweet Caroline.”
Rapper Lil Wayne and singer Nicki Minaj pose backstage
Rapper 50 Cent and boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Downtown Julie Brown (former MTV video jock)
Trey Songz
Rapper Nas
Photos: Wireimage/Getty
