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2013 Billboard Music Awards

May 20, 2013

Comedian Tracy Morgan hosts the 2013 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Check out our recap of the award winners and the night's incredible performers, including Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and Prince!

This year's Billboard Music Awards opened with a disco-inspired performance of "Treasure" by Bruno Mars, the first of many performances by today's hottest artists! Oh, what a concert that would have been! Tracy Morgan filled the three hour slot with shots at Taylor Swift's serial dating habit, a dance-off with Psy and an admission: Wayne Newton is his biological father (not!).

Special Awards

Madonna made a special appearance when presented with the Top Traveling Artist Award. Between her gaudy outfit, potty-mouth, "pretentious sunglass" and sarcastic sense of humor, she came off as anything by humble. That is, until the end of her acceptance speech when she finally cracked a smile and credited her fans. Prince, who received the Icon Award, gave a special performance, singing a mashup of "Let's Go Crazy" and "FixUrLifeUp."

Performers

  • Bruno Mars, "Treasure"
  • Selena Gomez, "Come & Get It"
  • The Band Perry, "Better Dig Two"
  • Icona Pop, "I Love It"
  • Chris Brown, "Fine China"
  • Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, "Thrift Shop"
  • Taylor Swift, "22"
  • Kacey Musgraves, "Merry Go 'Round"
  • Justin Bieber, "Take You"
  • Pitbull and Christina Aguilera, "Feel This Moment" 
  • Miguel, "The Thrill"
  • Ed Sheeran, "Lego House"
  • Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull, "Dance Again"
  • will.i.am and Justin Bieber, "That Power"
  • David Guetta, Ne-yo and Akon, "Play Hard"
  • Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, "High School"
  • Prince, "Let's Go Crazy" and "FixUrLifeUp"

The Winners

Top Rap Artist

  • WINNER: Nicki Minaj
  • Flo Rida
  • Drake
  • Psy
  • Pitbull

Top Digital Song

  • WINNER: "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
  • "We Are Young" by Fun feat. Janelle Monae
  • "Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye feat. Kimbra
  • "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
  • "Payphone" by Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa

Top Rap Song

  • WINNER: "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
  • "Wild Ones" Flo Rida feat. Sia
  • "Mercy" by Kanye West feat. Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz
  • "Gangnam Style" by Psy
  • "Whistle" by Flo Rida

Top Touring Artist

  • WINNER: Madonna

Top Billboard 200 Album

  • WINNER: Taylor Swift, "Red"
  • Adele, "21"
  • One Direction, "Up All Night"
  • Mumford & Sons, "Bable"
  • One Direction, "Take Me Home"

Top Male Artist

  • WINNER: Justin Bieber
  • Jason Aldean
  • Drake
  • Bruno Mars
  • Flo Rida

Top EDM Artist

  • WINNER: David Guetta
  • Deadmaus
  • Calvin Harris
  • Skrillex
  • Swedish House Mafia

Milestone Award

  • WINNER: Justin Bieber
  • Bruno Mars
  • Taylor Swift

Billboard Artist of the Year

  • WINNER: Taylor Swift
  • One Direction
  • Justin Bieber
  • Rihanna
  • Maroon 5

Icon Award

  • WINNER: Prince

Have Your Say

What was your favorite performance on the 2013 Billboard Music Awards? Tell us in our comment section below!