Justin Bieber - Justin Bieber Named Social Artist Of The Year At Billboard Music Awards

The teenage pop superstar, who spent over 40 weeks at number one on Billboard magazine's Social 50 chart, was lost for words as he collected the night's first honour, revealing he felt "blessed" to grow up "in front of everybody".

Thanking his screaming fans in the audience, he said, "The Internet is where I got my start and all my fans have helped me get to this position."

He also paid tribute to his manager Scooter Braun, stating, "He helps me get through every day. He's always just being a positive role model," and mentor Usher, adding, "He takes the time to really care."

LMFAO kicked off the Billboard Music Awards by 'shuffling' their way through an energetic medley of hits Party Rock Anthem, Sorry For Party Rocking and Sexy & I Know It.

The duo took over the Mgm Grand Garden Arena with their colourful costumes, characters and a dancing pantomime zebra, which has become a fixture at concerts.

RedFoo and SkyBlu also introduced a stripping pink teddy bear onto the stage during their racy Sexy & I Know It routine, which ended with the partying zebra showing his fancy underwear after a dancer ripped off the rear of his costume.

The routine was a big hit among the group's peers and fans in the audience - they gave the chart-topping duo a standing ovation as show hosts Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen took the stage.

After Bieber's victory, hosts Bowen and Burrell paid tribute to Bee Gees star Robin Gibb, who died hours before the ceremony.

Bowen said, "His voice and the music of the Bee Gees will live on forever."

Lisa Marie Presley then took the stage to hand out the Billboard Spotlight Award to Katy Perry, who made history by becoming the first female artist to hit the top of Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with five tracks from the same album, Teenage Dream. Only Michael Jackson has managed the feat before her.

In accepting her award, Perry confirmed reports that she would be lifting the lid off her marriage break-up by performing a new song at the ceremony, stating, "These songs have been kind of like the diary of my last two years and tonight, later, when I get on the stage, I'm gonna be singing my personal, most intimate song for you."

Perry, Bieber, Chris Brown, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Cee Lo Green and his reunited Goodie Mob, The Wanted and Linkin Park are also scheduled to perform at the ceremony, which will feature tributes to late divas Whitney Houston and Donna Summer and Beastie Boys rapper Adam Yauch.

Music's big night will close with a performance by Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys.