|
 Swift, 25, one of the top-selling musical acts in the United
States last year, also picked up awards for top female artist,
top Billboard 200 artist and album and top hot 100 artist, among
others.
Swift, whose video of her latest single "Bad Blood" premiered at
the awards, also took home a special achievement award chosen by
fan voting.
"This is such a good night," Swift enthused as she collected the
night's big prize, top artist. Earlier, after winning top
Billboard 200 album for "1989," she said "you guys embraced
change, embraced me doing something new. I'll never forget it."
Swift and Smith competed directly in several top categories,
with Swift prevailing. Smith, 22, who had received 13
nominations to Swift's 14, also won for top radio songs artist.
The British band One Direction was another multiple winner,
winning top touring artist and top duo or group, while Iggy
Azalea was a triple winner for top rap artist, rap song and top
streaming artist.
Rock band Van Halen opened the show with a throwback performance
of their hit song "Panama," while Hozier later performed his
smash hit "Take Me to Church."
Other musical highlights included Kelly Clarkson's "Invincible,"
Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea who let loose with "Pretty Girls"
and Nicki Minaj rapping "The Night is Still Young." Little Big
Town also teamed up with Faith Hill for their hit song, "Girl
Crush."
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Pharrell Williams swept the R & B categories, taking honors for
song, album and artist while Jason Aldean took the prizes for top
country song and album. Florida George Line was named top country
artist.
Hozier won top rock artist and top rock song, while Coldplay took
the award for top rock album.
The awards, hosted by rapper Ludacris and supermodel Chrissy Teigen,
were handed out in a live broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena
in Las Vegas.
Billboard magazine, which covers the music industry, said the
finalists were based on fan interactions with music, including album
and digital sales, touring, radio airplay, streaming and
interactions on social media websites and other online sites for
music.
(Reporting by Chris Michaud)
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