TORONTO — Ontario-born pop star Justin Bieber picked up three awards Sunday night at the Billboard Music Awards, including top male artist and social artist. He went into the show with six nominations.
Bieber was loudly booed upon being announced the winner of the fan-voted milestone award.
“I’m 19 years old. I think I’m doing a pretty good job,” he said. “It should really be about the music, it should be about the craft that I’m making. This is not a gimmick. I’m an artist and I should be taken seriously.”
Bieber also performed twice during the show, which was broadcast live from Las Vegas. He was seated in the front row one section over from on-again off-again girlfriend Selena Gomez.
B.C. singer Carly Rae Jepsen, who had nine nominations, won Top Pop Song and Digital Song for her ubiquitous hit “Call Me Maybe.”
Ontario’s Deadmau5 and Drake — who had three nominations each — won nothing.
Presenters at the Billboard Music Awards included Shania Twain, Celine Dion and Avril Lavigne (who arrived with her fiancé, Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger).
The night’s big winner was Taylor Swift, who won eight of the 11 categories in which she was nominated. Rihanna and Gotye tied with four wins apiece.
Madonna gave a rambling acceptance speech after being presented with the Top Touring Artist award. She also won in the dance artist and dance album categories.
Prince, who was honoured with the icon award, performed a medley of songs. He was one of only a handful of performers who actually sang live.
“Let’s give it up for people lip-synching under pre-recorded music,” presenter Kid Rock said.
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