2006 Billboard Music Awards

Janet Jackson opens the show at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Dec. 4, 2006.

2006 Billboard Awards - The Show

Mary J. Blige performs at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Dec. 4, 2006. Blige was the big winner of the evening, taking home a total of nine awards including R&B/Hip Hop artist of the year and album of the year for "The Breakthrough."

2006 Billboard Music Awards - The Show

Carrie Underwood won in five categories, including album of the year for "Some Hearts," at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Dec. 4.

2006 Billboard Music Awards - The Show

Fergie performs her song "Fergilicious" at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Dec. 4.

2006 Billboard Awards - The Show

Rapper T.I. accepts one of his five awards 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Dec. 4, 2006. His awards included rap artist of the year and rap album of the year for "King."

2006 Billboard Music Awards - The Show

New mom Gwen Stefani performs her song "Wind It Up" at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Dec. 4.

2006 Billboard Awards - The Show

Stevie Wonder presents the Century Award for lifetime achievement to Tony Bennett at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Dec. 4, 2006. Wonder praised Bennett for his commitment to the civil rights movement.

2006 Billboard Awards - The Show

Kid Rock introduces the presenters of the first award at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Dec. 4, 2006. Rock also performed in the show's all-star rock jam at the end of the show.

2006 Billboard Awards - The Show

Rappers Pharrell, left, and Ludacris perform at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Dec. 4, 2006.

Before The Billboard Music Awards

Some of the biggest stars in popular music were booked for the weekend in rehearsals for the Billboard Music Awards. At left, Ludacris rehearses on stage Dec. 3, 2006.

Before The Billboard Music Awards

Off stage, Pharrell takes a photo of Nonhle at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Dec. 3. Both were there to rehearse for the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Dec. 4, 2006.

Before The Billboard Music Awards

Janet Jackson rehearses in Las Vegas for her performance at the Billboard Music Awards on Dec. 4, 2006.

Before The Billboard Music Awards

Janet Jackson rehearses at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Dec. 2. The Billboard Music Awards are determined by Billboard magazine's charts of record sales, downloads and radio play.

Before The Billboard Music Awards

Janet Jackson rehearses on a Las Vegas stage for the Billboard Music Awards, to air Dec. 4, 2006.

Isaac Slade of The Fray signs autographs during rehearsals for the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Dec. 3, 2006.

Before The Billboard Music Awards

Isaac Slade of The Fray rehearses Dec. 3 for the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, scheduled for Dec. 4, 2006.

Before The Billboard Music Awards

Tony Bennett pauses for a radio interview at rehearsels for the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Dec. 3, 2006. The singer will receive a special honor at the awards event Dec. 4.