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Monday, May 23, 2011

Hot Spot of the Day: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas



They say that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas -- unless, of course, it's broadcast in high definition across the nation on ABC. Which was the case with last night's Billboard Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. 

The arena, which holds roughly 17,000 people -- or enough Justin Bieber fans to populate a small city -- saw things kick off with a racy performance by Rihanna and Britney Spears. Though, historically-speaking, the venue is more known for hosting massive boxing events, such as the infamous Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield bout in 1997. You know, the one where Tyson bit off part of Holyfield's ear. Twice. 

But on Sunday night, there was no biting going on. Only kissing. After a completely lackluster performance by Britney (her lip syncing was as awkward as her attempted dance moves), the pop star embraced and kissed Rihanna, perhaps trying to emulate her famous Madonna moment. 
The show was hosted this year by Hangover funny-man, Ken Jeong, who was joined onstage by a conservatively-dressed Nicki Minaj. Here the two do their best flycatcher look, which others might call singing. 


Justin Bieber took home six awards. Though he would later Tweet that he was so tired and jet-lagged that he thought he only went home with three. 

Will.i.am, his metallic cyborg hat, and Fergie, took the stage at the MGM Grand Garden and got the crowd going with their Black Eyed Peas' hit "I've Got a Feeling." Was the feeling that they were about to lose their Top Touring Artist award to U2? Because they did. 
No that isn't an army of Beyonce clones, it's just an image plastered behind her. But, really, one Beyonce is all you need to get a Vegas crowd going. 
Brazilian Taio Cruz was all smiles at the MGM Grand Garden, as he not only got to strut his stuff and wow the crowd, but he also went home with the Hot 100 Song of the Year award for his smash-hit "Dynamite." Never heard of it? It was only the No. 1 track in America for over 45 weeks.