2011 Billboard Music Awards: Highlights, Performances, and Winners!

The performances at this year’s Billboard Music Awards dazzled the audience as Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha, Cee-lo Green, and mind-blowing power duo Britney Spears and Rihanna took the stage with over-the-top showdowns and innovative sets. Cee-lo played a floating piano and Ke$ha performed among an army of glitter-doused, neon-pink unicorn warriors. Host Ken Jeong’s bits were hilarious throughout the entirety of the ceremony. The comedian played with many of the performers including Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, and he carried the show with the perfect amount of energy (and jokes) needed for the night.

Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Taio Cruz, Usher and Lady Gaga took home 3 awards each. Justin Bieber won 5 awards including Top New Artist andRihannamade took home a trophy for Top Female Artist. Eminem won a total of 6 Billboard Music Awards, including one for Top Rap Artist, making Em the biggest winner of the night, beating out newcomers Drake and Nicki Minaj. Neil Diamond closed the show with some classics like “Sweet Caroline,” after accepting his Icon Award.

Beyonce was feted with the Billboard Millenium Award for her career achievements. Her tribute included Barbara Streisand, Stevie Wonder and Michelle Obama. Beyonce did a powerful and inspiring girl-power performance to “Run The World (Girls),” followed by a gracious acceptance speech for her award. Although there were amazing performances throughout the ceremony, the night truly belonged to Beyonce.

Here is the full 2011 Billboard Music Awards list of winners:

ARTIST AWARDS:

Top Artist: Eminem Top New Artist: Justin Bieber Top Male Artist: Eminem Top Female Artist: Rihanna Top Duo/Group: The Black Eyed Peas Top Billboard 200 Artist: Taylor Swift Top Hot 100 Artist: Katy Perry Top Digital Songs Artist: Katy Perry Top Radio Songs Artist: Rihanna Top Touring Artist: U2 Top Social Artist: Justin Bieber Top Streaming Artist: Justin Bieber Top Digital Media Artist: Justin Bieber Top Pop Artist: Lady Gaga Top R&B Artist: Usher Top Rap Artist: Eminem Top Country Artist: Taylor Swift Top Rock Artist: Train Top Alternative Artist: Mumford & Sons Top Latin Artist: Shakira Top Dance/Electronic Artist: Lady Gaga Top Christian Artist: Chris Tomlin Fan Favorite Award: Justin Bieber

ALBUMS AWARDS:

Top Billboard 200 Album: Eminem Recovery Top Pop Album: Justin Bieber My World 2.0 TIED with Katy Perry Teenage Dream Top R&B Album: UsherRaymond v. Raymond Top Rap Album: Eminem Revovery Top Country Album: Taylor Swift Speak Now Top Rock Album: Mumford & Sons Sigh No More Top Alternative Album: Mumford & Sons Sigh No More Top Latin Album: Enrique IglesiasEuphoria Top Dance/Electronic Album: Lady Gaga – The Fame Top Christian Album: Skillet Awake

SONG AWARDS:

Top Hot 100 Song: Taio Cruz “Dynamite” Top Digital Song: Taio Cruz “Dynamite” Top Radio Song: Bruno Mars “Just The Way You Are” Top Streaming (Audio) Song: Nelly “Just A Dream” Top Streaming (Video) Song: Justin Bieber ft. Ludacris “Baby” Top Pop Song: Taio Cruz “Dynamite” Top R&B Song: Usher ft. will.i.am “OMG” Top Rap Song: Eminem ft. Rihanna “Love The Way You Lie” Top Country Song: Lady Antebellum “Need You Now” Top Rock Song: Train “Hey, Soul Sister” Top Alternative Song: Neon Trees “Animal” Top Latin Song: Shakira ft. Freshleyground “Waka Waka” Top Dance Song: Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina “Stereo Love” Top Christian Song: Chris Tomlin “Our God”

Watch Beyonce’s incredible tribute and performance of “Run The World” here: