HOLLYWOOD—Rapper Eminem and pop sensation Justin Bieber were both big winners at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, each winning six awards. 

It was the first time in history that the Billboard Music Awards were held in Las Vegas, and it was a music awards show that delivered.

The ceremony opened with a sensually charged performance by pop songstress Britney Spears joining Rihanna for a rendition of the remix of her single “S&M.” The dancing was not as strong as expected from both ladies, but it wasn’t terrible. 

Host Ken Jeong of the “Hangover II,” gave audiences a surprisingly funny and talented opening that featured a group of dancers and rapper Nicki Minaj.

 

Eminem took home a total of six Billboard Music Awards.

Billboard 200 Album Artist of the Year went to Taylor Swift, who was a bit shocked to win the award. Swift did face tough competition from Lady Antebellum, Justin Bieber and Susan Boyle. She deserved it considering that she sold more than a million copies in her first week of release for “Speak Now.” Swift later won the award for Country Artist of the Year. 

Eric Stonestreet of “Modern Family” dressed in Elvis attire presented the award for Digital Artist of the Year to Justin Bieber, who beat out favorites Lady Gaga, Eminem and Rihanna.

The Black Eyed Peas rocked the stage with a compilation of some of their greatest hits including “Just Can’t Get Enough,” “The Time (Dirty Bit)” and “I Gotta Feeling.” This quartet really knows how to get the audience pumped and ready for an incredible show. Country crooner Keith Urban took the stage moments later and serenaded the crowd.

Hot 100 Song of the Year was given to Taio Cruz for “Dynamite.” I’d argue that perhaps Eminem or Katy Perry should have taken the award; their hits “Love the Way you Lie” and “California Gurls” were undeniable smashes that audiences sang all year.   

Comic genius Tim Allen presented the award for Country Song of the Year to Lady Antebellum for their ubiquitous hit “Need You Now.” They later took the stage to perform their new single “Just a Kiss;” sounds like they have another pop hit on their hands.

The ceremony paid tribute to pop diva Beyonce, who treated fans to a performance from her new single “Run The World (Girls).” She received tributes from Lady Gaga, First Lady Michelle Obama, her parents Tina and Matthew Knowles, Bono, The Dream, Stevie Wonder, Babyface and Barbra Streisand. She definitely knows how to rock the stage, and she delivered an unforgettable performance we’ll all be talking about for days.

Rihanna won the award for Female Artist of the Year.

Those visuals and choreography single-handedly gave Beyonce the performance of the night; seems like she is aiming to top her smash “Single Ladies” (Put a Ring on It). Her mother Tina Knowles presented her the Billboard Millennium Award. She gasped to catch her breath while accepting the award. She thanked Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, her parents, her husband Jay-Z and original Destiny’s Child members LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Hardwick; she’s a class act. Her new album “4” arrives on June 28.

The Black Eyed Peas were victorious in the category for Top Duo/Group.  They faced some stiff competition from Linkin Park, Lady Antebellum, U2 and Bon Jovi.  

Cee-Lo Green hit the stage to perform a trio of his hits which included the unforgettable Gnarls Barkley smash “Crazy,” and 2010’s chart-topper “Forget You,” complete with a flying piano. Drake, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Rihanna and Usher competed for the award for Radio Artist of the Year.  In the end, pop princess Rihanna walked away with the trophy.

The Top New Artist of the Year award was given to Justin Bieber, who is not a new artist considering he’s already released four albums. He’s been placed into this category, yet he’s not new to the music industry. His speech went a bit long which prompted him being played off the stage. 

In another unforgettable performance of the night, Mary J. Blige belted out her new single “Someone to Love Me” with assistance from rap superstar Lil Wayne. 

Justin Bieber presented the award for Female Artist of the Year to ecstatic Rihanna, whose music has dominated airwaves in the past year. Overall it was a stellar ceremony, with a host that kept things moving and infused a bit of comedy at the right time. 

Any guesses as to who will dominate the airwaves in 2011?   

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