Tuesday night's Billboard awards in glittering Las Vegas were full of surprises, from R&B newcomer Ashanti virtually sweeping the board with a whopping eight trophies, to a wheelchair bound Justin Timberlake being attended by a pair of buxom "nurses".
The *NSync star broke his foot in London three weeks ago, but went ahead with the programme as planned, remaining seated throughout his live performance of Cry Me A River. Other stars taking to the stage at the bash included Complicated singer Avril Lavigne, country-pop diva Faith Hill, and the night's other big winner, Nelly, who performed a steamy rendition of Hot In Herre.
One appearance that turned out to be too hot for US TV was achievement award winner Cher, whose one-liner about her longtime critics seemed to get by censors. "F*** 'em," said the burgundy velvet and mesh-clad singer of her naysayers. "I still have a job and they don't."
Other music industry icons feted during the evening were Michael Jackson, who accepted his special Billboard Award for record-breaking album Thriller by satellite, and Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox, who took home the Century Award. Nelly, who won six awards, took home the prize for 2002's top artist, while Puddle of Mud swept the rock categories and Nickleback also picked up four gongs.
Slain hip hop pioneer Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay of Run DMC, was remembered during a tribute by a star-studded performance of Walk This Way by Nelly, Busta Rhymes, and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, among others. "Thanks for your love and continuous support," said the late DJ's widow, Terri, after the tribute. "If Jason was here, he'd be so happy."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
