Las Vegas was home to the 2004 Billboard awards (Dec. 9), and the show lived up to the glitz and glam of the city. The awards, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, opened with Usher dropping from the ceiling of the MGM Grand Garden Arena, to perform his song “Bad Girl,” while surrounded by a group of beautiful women. Usher continued to play a star role in the evening’s events, taking home eleven awards. Since March, his album “Confessions” has sold 7.1 million copies in the U.S.

Alicia Keys was one of the evening’s other big winners, picking up seven awards. OutKast was honored with five Billboard awards, followed by rapper Kanye West with four awards. Britney Spears, who was making her first public appearance since her recent marriage, presented West with the rap artist of the year award.

Ashlee Simpson received the female new artist of the year award, and took the stage amidst cheers and boos in the wake of her Saturday Night Live lip-synch fiasco.

Stevie Wonder received the Century Award for his legendary body of work. Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, and Destiny’s Child honored Wonder with performances of some of his greatest hits.

The evening’s other live acts included a mix of rock, pop, R&B, and rap, with performances by Green Day, Evanescence, Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, and Nelly.

The Billboard awards represent Billboard Magazine’s year-end chart listings, which are based on record sales and airplay.

|by Kendra Anderson|