As Justin Bieber came up to retrieve his Milestone Award at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, beating several artists including Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift, he heard a series of boos from the crowd.

In his acceptance speech, Bieber told the crowd, “I’m 19 years old. I think I’m doing a pretty good job." 

He added, “This is not a gimmick. I’m an artist, and I should be taken seriously. This other bull shouldn’t be spoken of."

Following the show, SkyBlu from LMFAO defended Bieber, asking reporters, “Does a day go by you don’t hear Justin Bieber’s name? You’ve got to give him respect for that."

Later in the press room, Taylor Swift was asked whether Bieber deserved to receive this honor at such a young age. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she replied, "Can we have another question, please?"

The singer performed during the Music Awards ceremony Take You, from his Believe album, and with Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am for their collaboration #thatPOWER. Bieber also took home the Top Male Artist award. 

Bieber’s performance featured the singer emerging from a futuristic egg prop and he then flew off into a ski-high-themed performance. He sported a one-sleeved leather jacket with the logo Bieber Air- an expression also displayed on the large LED screens behind him.

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