From Britney Spears' Opening to Madonna's Prince Tribute, the Best Billboard Music Awards Moments

The Billboard Music Awards took place Sunday in Las Vegas.

Britney Spears kicked off Sunday night's Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on a high note with a super sexy performance that set the bar high for the rest of the night.

The pop princess, who took home the Millennium Award, sang a medley of her greatest hits, including "Womanizer" and "Toxic."

View: The Best Celebrity Baby Pictures

Following her performance, the 34-year-old singer posted on Instagram: “After tonight...All I Really Want is a Cheeseburger.”

The show was co-hosted by Ludacris and Ciara, who wore seven outfits, including a provocative silver dress on the red carpet.


Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton put their romance on display as they belted out their new duet, “Go Ahead and Break my Heart.”

Kesha showed off her fighting spirit in matador-inspired duds. But onstage she avoided any reference to her ongoing legal battle with music producer Dr. Luke.

She performed a subtle cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe,” with musician Ben Folds.

The crowd showed their support with a standing ovation.

Following her performance, she wrote a heartfelt note to fans on Instagram: "I'm so grateful for tonight and for the @billboardmusicawards_ for allowing me to sing. it's my form of prayer. it my therapy. it literally reaches the untouched corners of my soul. thank you for having me. I have so much gratitude." 

Madonna and Stevie Wonder’s highly-anticipated tribute to Prince has gotten extremely mixed reviews.

“Let me be the first to say... She sounds awful,” one viewer tweeted.

The performance also inspired many nasty memes with images of Prince looking unimpressed.

Prince's close friend and Today show anchor Tamron Hall said on Monday: “I didn't like it.”

Read: Prince Had Been Dead for Hours When He Was Found in His Home's Elevator: Report

But the performance has also been defended by another of Prince’s friends, Roots drummer and band leader Questlove.

He went on a lengthy Twitter rant to express his feelings about the tribute.

Every Prince rendition will not be a life changing orgasmic xperience. Just to SING his work is brave enough. Again feeling are on high

— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) May 23, 2016

And EVERYBODY wants and deserves a chance to say goodbye in their own way. But remember: there will be AMAs, SoulTrain, NAACP, mtv, GRAMMYS

— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) May 23, 2016

And a gazillion other tributes. But the point is let's not get ugly w playing the "Prince would and wouldn't approve" game.

— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) May 23, 2016

It's hard editing and ranting and running in airport. I didn't realize my gate bout to close. Don't wanna get fired in the name of Prince

— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) May 23, 2016

May We All Live 2 See The Dawn

— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) May 23, 2016

....& this isn't *just about* the Madge/Stevie tribute btw

— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) May 23, 2016

I've been gettin earfuls from in/outside the Purple Circle concerning inclu/exclusions of his estate/work/memorials/tributes who in who not.

— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) May 23, 2016



Watch: Dr. Conrad Murray Thinks Prince's Doctor Needs A Good Attorney