Mary J. Blige Wins Nine at Billboards

The Billboard Music Awards were live from Las Vegas, and you can be sure Mary J. Blige was ready to party in Sin City after taking home nine trophies. Blige's album, The Breakthrough, has sold 2.6 million copies and led to last night's honors, including R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the year, and female R&B artist of the year (amongst others). Blige also got to give a little back to the fans as a performer on the show, singing a medley of "Enough Crying" and "Take Me as I Am."

Other big winners at the Billboards were 17-year-old Chris Brown and American Idol-tested Carrie Underwood. Brown took home awards for new artist of the year, male artist of the year, and artist of the year. Underwood won for country album and album of the year. She was also named country artist of the year.

Female artist of the year surprisingly went to newcomer Rihanna, who edged out Blige and Beyonce for one of the top honors. What some would say were not-so-surprising were the no-shows by Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, who were rumored to be co-hosting the event.