This year's Billboard Music Awards kicked off at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas this evening with LMFAO singing "Party Rock Anthem". The event, hosted by Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen, is one of the biggest events in music. The stars dazzled on the red carpet, donning gorgeous outfits and posing for the cameras. 

Billboard Music Awards 2012: Red Carpet Looks [PHOTOS] 

The first award of the night went to Justin Bieber. The teen star was named "Social Artist of the Year". Nominees for the award were Eminem, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Shakira. Upon receiving the award, Bieber said: "First of all, I just want to say how much of a blessing it's been the past three or four years, just growing up in front of everybody." He continued: "I just want to thank all my fans because, you know, the internet is where I got my start and all my fans have helped me get to this position." He also thanked his manager Scooter Braun, Usher, his parents, and God. 

Afterwards, there was a moment of silence for Robin Gibb, who passed away today after a long battle with cancer. 

The second award of the night went to Katy Perry. She was presented with the "Spotlight Award" by Lisa Marie Presley. Perry said she felt honored to be in the same category as Michael Jackson, who was the only other person to have received the award. 

Kelly Clarkson performed her new single "Dark Side" followed by The Wanted 's performance of "Chasing the Sun". 

Miley Cyrus presented the "New Artist" award, which went to Wiz Khalifa. Other contenders were Bad Meets Evil, Foster the People, Big Sean, and Scotty McCreery. 

After a tribute to Donna Summer, the Queen of Disco who passed away this week, the "Billboard Woman of the Year Award" was given to Taylor Swift! She said: "That was so nice! The first time I ever saw my song on the Billboard charts I was 16, and I was in a rental car going to homeschool. That seems like forever ago." She said she felt humbled and honored, thanking her fans. 

Usher came on stage to perform "Scream". 

The "Hot 100 Song of the Year" award went to LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem". 

Justin Bieber took to the stage next to perform his new single "Boyfriend".

LMFAO received another award for "Top Duo or Group", beating Black Eyed Peas, Lady Antebellum, Maroon 5 and Coldplay. 

Carrie Underwood performs "Blown Away". 

"Male Artist of the Year" goes to Lil Wayne. Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Drake and Bruno Mars were also nominated. 

Chris Brown takes home the "R&B Artist of the Year" award, beating Beyonce, Miguel, Cee Lo Green and Rihanna. 

Katy Perry performed "Wide Awake" hanging from the air in a white lace dress. 

A tribute to Whitney Houston was led by Whoopi Goldberg. John Legend opened the tribute with "The Greatest Love of All", followed by Jordin Sparks with "I Will Always Love You". After the performance, Whitney Houston's daughter Bobbi Kristina and Pat Houston came up on stage to accept the Millennium Award on Whitney's behalf. 

Cee Lo Green and Goodie Mob took to the stage to perform "Fight to Win". 

Tribute was paid for Beastie Boys rapper Adam Yauch, with "Fight for your Right (to Party)". 

Lastly, Stevie Wonder was presented with the "Billboard Icon Award" by Alicia Keys before he performed several songs and closed the show. 

Tags: billboard music awards 2012 Justin Bieber Katy Perry Taylor Swift