As an awards show that explicitly focuses on commercial music success stories, the Billboard Music Awards ceremony lends itself to young-skewing pop artists. And so while the show built to a closing performance from Prince, names like Taylor Swift consumed much of the night’s attention.
Swift won Artist of the Year and delivered a fun, if vocally-underwhelming, version of “22” on the main broadcast, but she was making headlines even before the ceremony began. Going for synergy between her dress and eye color, Swift impressed with a short, bright blue dress on the “Blue Carpet,” continuing the string of knockout event appearances.
Friend and fellow popstar Selena Gomez, meanwhile, continued showing off her maturing look with white dress that was, if nothing else, certainly flattering.
And “Victorious” alumna Ariana Grande, who recently made a splash on the pop charts with “The Way” looked great in her usual red carpet style.
The list of other stars in attendance included Emmy Rossum, Carly Rae Jepsen, Ke$ha and Miley Cyrus. Check out the gallery from ABC (click the thumbnails for larger images):