2002 Billboard Awards Recap

The 2002 Billboard Awards are, when it comes to awards shows, somewhere in the middle. They aren't as cool or crazy as the MTV award shows but they aren't as stuffy and boring as the Grammys either. This year, the 2002 Billboard Music Awards inched closer to the MTV awards in the crazy department with a little four letter word from Cher.

Hot Performers:
The show opened with everyone's fave little misfit, Avril Lavigne, singin' her heart out with both Sk8ter Boi and Complicated. Other noteable peeps who strutted their stuff and entertained the crowd were Nelly and his posse (the St. Lunatics) with Hot in Herre and Mr. Timberlake with Cry Me a River. Justin couldn't do his usual pelvic thrusts and fancy foot work due to a broken foot, so he added a strings section and a large choir for extra flash. Looking more and more like Britney Spears everyday, Faith Hill also took to the stage and belted out her hit tune, Cry.

Big Winnners:
R&B landed on top at the 2002 Billboard Music Awards as Nelly and Ashanti cleaned up. Nelly scored six awards - including R&B/Hip-Hop Male Artist of the Year and Hot 100 Singles Male Artist of the Year. Ashanti probably needed an extra limo to haul all her awards home. She scored eight - including new R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, Top New Pop Artist of the Year, and Female Artist of the Year. Other peeps to snag some titles included two awards for Eminem, two awards for Moby, one for B2K and three for rockers Nickelback.

Classic Moments:

Drama queen Cher was given an honorary award and used the "F" word when talking about her critics. Sensors weren't fast enough and people watching the live broadcast got an earful!

Michael Jackson was honored with a special award as well for his 1982 album Thriller which spent more weeks at No. 1 (37) than any other album in the history of The Billboard 200. He thanked his fans for their support, but did not dangle any babies, during his acceptance speech from Neverland Ranch.

Moving Tribute:
The night ended with a moving, rousing tribute to the murdered rap legend, DJ Jam Master Jay from RUN DMC. Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Ja Rule, Naughty By Nature, Queen Latifah, and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, all sung Walk This Way, RUN DMC's biggest hit.

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