User blog:Bchwood/Billboard Music Awards highest rated since 2003

Sunday night's Billboard Music Awards, which featured two performances from Britney Spears, was the highest rated show since 2003.

The three-hour awards show averaged 7.9 million total viewers from 8-11 p.m. on ABC, drawing a 2.9 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic, up 28 percent and 7 percent from the 2006 telecast respectively.

Justin Bieber was one of the big winners Sunday, taking home six awards, including digital artist of the year, top new artist and fan favorite. Eminem also dominated the night, taking home top artist, top male artist and top rap artist, among others.

There was a six-way tie for second place between Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Usher, Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons and Taio Cruz, who each won three trophies.

Bieber embraced girlfriend Selena Gomez before heading to the stage to accept his award. The couple arrived in the same car, but the actress walked the red carpet alone while Bieber headed straight inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Backstage at the show, Bieber was asked what kind of songs he wants to include on his new album.

"Songs with meaning and significance," he said. "I want to focus on myself and get into what I'm feeling."

Winning two Billboard Music Awards each were Katy Perry, Shakira, Chris Tomlin and Train.

Beyonce received an all-star tribute from a host of luminaries, including First Lady Michelle Obama; singing legend Barbra Streisand; pop star Lady Gaga; U2 frontman Bono; and Stevie Wonder.

The ceremony also featured performances from the Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Keith Urban, Cruz, Cee Lo Green, Lady Antebellum, Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha, Far*East Movement, Pitbull, Mary J. Blige with Lil Wayne, OneRepublic and a special performance by Diamond.