Billboard Music Awards 2011: The Performances & List Of Winners

Erika Brooks Adickman | May 22, 2011 9:32 pm

After a brief hiatus, the Billboard Music Awards returned to television to honor this year’s chart toppers. Pop stars (both best and worst dressed) came to rock the MGM Garden Arena and to reap the benefits of their musical efforts. The evening was full of excitement for Justin Bieber (and not just when the Biebs gave girlfriend Selena Gomez a big smooch before his acceptance speech), as the “Baby” singer walked away with a whopping six awards. It makes us wonder: is it girls who run the world or Beliebers? Jump below for a full list of winners, performance highlights — including the advertised Britney Spears and Rihanna performance, with a pillow fight, — and watch Cee-lo manage to top his Grammy muppet spectacle!

Rihanna (feat. Britney Spears) — “S&M”

Shouldn’t a song banned in 11 countries be saved for the end of the show after the kids have gone to bed? We know it’s in the spirit of Vegas, but having Rihanna and Britney grinding on the poles during a prime time Sunday night time slot (on network TV) is a little much. Then again, this is more dancing than we saw Brit do in her entire “Till The World Ends” music video, so we really shouldn’t be complaining.

Beyonce — “Run The World (Girls)” + tribute featuring Michelle Obama, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Bono and Stevie Wonder

How is it possible that B can continue to surprise and amaze us?

Keith Urban — “Long Hot Summer”

Cee Lo Green —  “Crazy” / “Bright Lights Bigger City” / “Forget You”

The Coachella performer pulled off a feat not seen since Tommy Lee’s rotating drum kit.

The Black Eyed Peas — “Just Can’t Get Enough” / “I Gotta Feeling”

Lady Antebellum — “Just A Kiss”

Ke$ha — “Animal” / “Blow”

Britney Spears + Nicki Minaj  — “Super Bass” / “Till The World Ends (Remix)”:

Is it just us or does Brit actually look like she’s enjoying herself out there?! (But what’s with the giant chicken?) A whole tour with Nicki might bring our beloved Femme Fatale back to life.

Mary J. Blige feat. Lil Wayne — “Someone To Love Me”

Taio Cruz — “Break Your Heart” / “Dynamite”

2011 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS: The Winners

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