Eminem and Justin Bieber were the big winners at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards last night (5/22), taking home a total of six honors apiece. Taylor Swift also won awards in three categories, tying her with Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Usher, Mumford & Sons, and Taio Cruz.
Swift’s three wins came for Top Country Album (for Speak Now), Top Billboard 200 Artist, and Top Country Artist. Eminem’s wins included Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album (for Recovery) and Top Rap Album (for Recovery). Social Media phenom Bieber nabbed awards for Top New Artist, Top Social Artist, and Top Streaming Song (for “Baby” feat. Ludacris).
Beyonce was given Billboard’s special Milennium Award, and an all-star tribute from First Lady Michelle Obama, Barbara Streisand, Lady Gaga, U2’s Bono and Stevie Wonder. U2 was awarded as Top Touring Artist, and Neil Diamond was given the Icon Award for his numerous career accomplishments.
Show performances included the much-discussed Rihanna and Britney Spears collaboration “S&M,” Cee Lo Green, Lil Wayne with Mary J. Blige, and Diamond on his classic “Sweet Caroline.” ABC carried the show, which had been on hiatus since 2006.
