Billboard Music Awards 2014

Billboard Music Awards 2014

A look at the country artist winners, performances and red carpet fashion 

Luke Bryan dominated the Billboard Music Awards Nominations where he was up for Top Male Artist (all genres) his album, CRASH MY PARTY got noms for Top Billboard 200 Album and Top Country Album, and Luke was nominated for Top Billboard 200 Artist. Florida Georgia Line also had three nonimations. The Billboard Music Awards took place in Las Vegas Sunday, May 18, and aired on live on ABC. So how did they fare?

Billboard 2014 Winners Florida Georgia Line & Luke Bryan perform
"This Is How Me Roll"

The Top Country Artist award was snagged by Luke Bryan (Image), who was up against Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Taylor Swift and Florida Georgia Line.

Luke’s CRASH MY PARTY also won Top Country Album beating out Garth Brooks ("Blame It All On My Roots: Five Decades of Influences"), Florida Georgia Line ("Here’s to the Good Times"), The Robertsons ("Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas") and Blake Shelton ("Based on a True Story")

Backstage, Luke was asked about the fact that he appeared to be drinking while sitting in the audience. He copped to it. "I've learned that the right amount of drinks chills you out for award shows so, there's a perfect little threshold.  Yeah, we keep it a little 'under the chair!'"

"Cruise," the Florida Georgia Line song featuring Nelly, won the Top Country Song award (image), overhauling Blake Shelton with the Pistol Annies' "Boys 'Round Here," Darius Rucker's "Wagon Wheel," Luke Bryan's "That's My Kind Of Night" and Bryan's "Crash My Party." “This is absolutely incredible, thank you guys,” an excited Brian Kelley said from stage. “This song has taken us on the ride of our lives … Nelly, you killed it brother. Thank you for putting your magic on our song.” “We want to thank the Lord above for letting us be here tonight,” Tyler Hubbard added.

2014 Nominees
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Carrie Underwood was crowned the winner of the fan-voted Milestone Award, presented by Chevrolet. "I truly have the best fans in the world," Underwood said emotionally, adding that she wouldn't get to do even a zillionth of what she's been able to accomplish if not for all those fans. The BBMAs' second annual Milestone Award, which celebrated the innovation of this year's hitmakers was presented by Kelly Rowland and a lucky fan who won the opportunity to co-present. Carrie Underwood beat out two other finalists OneRepublic and Ellie Goulding on the strength of her many fans' votes over the course of the last few weeks.

Underwood also presented (image) Best New Artist to Lorde.

Backstage (image), Carrie told reporters, "It's always a wonderful surprise when my name is called, and I know my fans love to vote and they're so supportive."

Alan Jackson won Top Christian Album for his ‘Precious Memories: Volume II,’ released in March 2013 as a follow-up to his 2006 release, ‘Precious Memories.’ “[We] had made a list of 30 to 40 songs to do for that first album,” Jackson says. “We had so many that we didn’t get to, I thought we’d go in and do a few more just the same way — heartfelt and simple.” ‘Precious Memories: Volume II’ went up against albums from Skillet, Third Day and Chris Tomlin, as well as a compilation album, in the category.

Billboard Music Awards 2014 Winners & Nominees

Country-related interest categories:

Top Male Artist:

Luke Bryan, Drake, Eminem, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake WINNER

Top Duo/Group:

Florida Georgia Line, Imagine Dragons WINNER, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, One Direction, OneRepublic

Top Billboard 200 Artist:

Beyoncé, Luke Bryan, Eminem, One Direction, Justin Timberlake WINNER

Top Social Artist:

Justin Bieber WINNER, Miley Cyrus, One Direction, Rihanna, Taylor Swift

Top Country Artist:

Luke Bryan WINNER, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift

Milestone Award Presented by Chevrolet:

Imagine Dragons, John Legend, Luke Bryan, Ellie Goulding, OneRepublic, Carrie Underwood WINNER

Top Billboard 200 Album:

Beyoncé (Beyoncé), Luke Bryan (Crash My Party), Drake (Nothing Was the Same)

Eminem (The Marshall Mathers LP 2), Justin Timberlake (The 20/20 Experience) WINNER

Top Country Album:

Garth Brooks ("Blame It All On My Roots: Five Decades of Influences")

Luke Bryan ("Crash My Party") WINNER,

Florida Georgia Line ("Here’s to the Good Times")

The Robertsons ("Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas")

Blake Shelton ("Based on a True Story")

Top Country Song:

Luke Bryan, “Crash My Party”; Luke Bryan, “That’s My Kind Of Night”

Florida Georgia Line Featuring Nelly, “Cruise” WINNER

Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”

Blake Shelton Featuring Pistol Annies & Friends, “Boys ‘Round Here”

Top Christian Album:

Alan Jackson (Precious Memories: Volume II) WINNER, Skillet (Rise)

Third Day (Miracle), Chris Tomlin (Burning Lights), Various Artists (WOW Hits 2014)

Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain (image - image), Brad Paisley and Lucy Hale (image) served as presenters.

Justin Timberlake was the big winner at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, with 7 trophies on the night including Top Artist and Top Male Artist. Other winners included Imagine Dragons with five, and Pharrell, Robin Thicke and T.I. each scoring four apiece.

Billboard Music Awards 2014: Full Winners List

Billboard Music 2014 Performances:

Press Blurb: Something bad never sounded this good before: Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood took the stage at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, where they debuted their new duet >> "Somethin' Bad" for the crowd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The two singers traded off lines for the rocking tune, sounding as much like an Aerosmith song as the next country hit.

The song written in a retreat in France by Chris DeStefano (Song Credits include: Luke Bryan "That's My Kind of Night"; Chris Young "Aw Naw"; Rascal Flatts "Rewind"; Carrie Underwood "Good Girl"; Jana Kramer "Why Ya Wanna" and Brett Eldredge "Don't Ya"), Brett James (Song Credits include: Kenny Chesney "When the Sun Goes Down"; Carrie Underwood "Jesus, Take the Wheel"/ "Cowboy Casanova"; Scotty McCreery's debut single "I Love You This Big") and pop music hit maker Priscilla Renea (Song Credits: Pitbull "Timber (feat. Ke$ha)"; Madonna "Gang Bang"; Cheryl Cole "Promise This" and Rihanna "California King Bed") is from Lambert's upcoming album PLATINUM due out on June 3.

Brad Paisley >> introduced the country duo, who donned similar teased 'dos and studded leather jackets to perform the TV debut of their song. The crowd clapped along, and Blake Shelton looked adoringly at his wife up on the stage. Lambert recently told Billboard that she's a huge Carrie Underwood fan" but that "Somethin' Bad" is a meshing of our styles." She also noted that "there aren't many female collaborations in our format so I'm really excited to be debuting it on the Billboard Awards."

The song is about what happens when good girls go (kind of) bad. Missing church, drinking too much, that kind of thing.

"I got a real good feeling something bad is 'bout to happen" is the lyrical hook. And from the looks on their husbands' faces, it's the kind of song the definitely lets the world know that Lambert and Underwood are not the kind of women you can push around.

Even though two powerhouse females singing together seems like a no-brainer, it doesn't happen often in country music. In 1993, Reba McEntire and Linda Davis (Hillary Scott's mother) had a hit duet with "Does He Love You," but this Lambert and Underwood song is the first major duet of its kind in more than two decades.

Carrie said backstage, "It was so much fun...I felt like we got to be strong women onstage and feed off each other, and it was just a great performance in my head! I hope I go back and watch it and think that still!" The “Blown Away” singer also said work on her new album was looking "really good."

The single was released on iTunes and Amazon was placed at No.1 on both the US and UK Country Songs iTunes chart 

Lambert & Underwood Battle Bro-Country w/ ‘Somethin’ Bad’ - Did it live up to the hype?

Saving Country Music wrote: Make no mistake, “Something Bad” is not just another song. This is Miranda and Carrie taking a baseball bat to bro-country’s pretty little souped up 4-wheel drive.

But the performance had many fans of both artists wondering just what the hell they were seeing and hearing transpire on the MGM Stage in Las Vegas. Ahead of the performance, some were calling this collaboration historic, legendary, and overdue...But instead we got flailing hair, screamed lyrics, and a loss of melody that made the song and performance smack of some 80s era mashup between Aerosmith and Joan Jett. In lieu of the duo battling bro-country with the brawn of their sheer star talent and doing what they do best, which is wowing audiences with singing prowess and powerful lyricism, Carrie and Miranda stole plays straight out of the bro-country coloring book and descended into vapid and story-less rhythmic superfluousness complete with unnecessary gesticulations and other showy nonsense that illustrated how amateurish and under-practiced they are at being really bad. You’ll get ‘em next time girls. But this one was more rough than a peanut patty goober side up.(1 3/4 of 2 guns down.)

Taste Of Country wrote - "It was in your face in the very best way, and the type of performance that women all over will pump their fists to again and again".

Roughstock wrote: With a percussive beat and melody to the song this single is everything that fans were hoping it'd be. It's playful, it's fun, it's Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood performing together. There's no way the single isn't anything but a big ole hit for these two. The story finds Miranda taking the place of a runaway bride who meets a new friend for a little bit of fun after making pitstops to the home ATM (a mattress)...is sure to be a fast-selling hit as well and there's clearly no way it's not sent to Country radio as a single after "Automatic" is a hit for Miranda, especially with no other Carrie Underwood songs on the horizon.

Troy Blankenship: This is a classic example of record exec's putting together two hot pieces of ass, disguising as country music and sitting back while they stroke themselves because the dollar signs they see does more for them than a double dose of viagra. Country Music??.......Country Music MY ASS!!!! - Facebook Grand Ole Opry Read more fan Facebook reaction.

>> Listen to Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood’s ‘Somethin’ Bad’ at http://vevo.ly/OfPFuC or on Spotify - Miranda Lambert – Somethin' Bad

Other country performances from the Billboard show came from Florida Georgia Line (image), who performed >> "This Is How We Roll" with Luke Bryan (while Underwood and her husband Mike Fisher sang along from their seats) and Bryan, who sang his newest hit "Play It Again."

2014 Billboard Music Awards Red Carpet Fashion

Music's biggest names hit Sunday night's (May 18) 2014 Billboard Music Awards in standard red carpet fare - J. Lo and Carrie Underwood, included. Side-swept hair swept the carpet. Stars spotted sporting the sophisticated asymmetrical style pre-awards show include Lucy Hale, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. “It's a take on a very traditional Old Hollywood look,” explained hairstylist-to-the-stars and bestselling author José Eber of the sophisticated style, which is traditionally reserved for film and television award shows. “Just look at Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez—everyone is going for glamour these days. It doesn’t matter if you’re a movie star or a rock star, everyone wants to have their Cinderella moment.”

Aubrey Peeples – The lovely 20-year old (aka Layla Grant in ABC drama series Nashville, a runner-up in a reality singing competition and Juliette Barnes new rival) was spotted on the carpet. The Jem & The Holograms‘ actress had come straight from the movie’s night shoot with actor Roshon Fegan. Aubrey rocked "cool and grungy" wearing a shiny Ted Baker strapless high-low dress with ShoeCult open toe booties (image). She carried a black clutch (image) and donned an ombre do with long straight bangs - Image Peeples was accepted to Harvard University but deferred entry twice, the second time to accept her role on Nashville.

Guys. Tonight. #NashvilleFinale But we'll be back with more steaminess and sangin soon!
— Aubrey Peeples (@aubreypeeples) May 14, 2014

Carrie Underwood - The singer and highly hyped performer for the show wore a striking art deco-inspired gown by designer Oriett Domenech with a silver bodice that shows off deep cleavage. 

The vibrant hot yellow color train and intricate overlay detailing (image) made this look an immediate standout on the red carpet, and Lorraine Schwartz earrings (image) were the perfect compliment to the look. She further styled the look with a Rodo clutch and Brian Atwood pumps (image). A heavy smokey eye, glossy peach lips (image ) and her slightly darker locks pulled into a modern version of a 1920s sweep “aging” hairstyle (image) completed the ultra glamorous carpet entry - Fashion Pic 

The ‘Blown Away’ singer debuted her new darker hair do when she performed ‘Somethin’ Bad’ with fellow star Miranda Lambert. “It’s just a little bit darker,” Underwood told People.  “I don’t think I’d want to or could even pull off being a brunette, but it’s just nice sometimes to change it up a bit.” She makes sure to take care of her tresses, no matter what color they are, and dishes, “Sitting in the tub with a hair mask on is boring. I just put conditioner on in the shower, do everything else, and then rinse it out.

Later accepting the Billboard Milestone award Carrie was seen grinning ear to ear in the audience with hubby Mike Fisher. She was wearing a Jill Stuart dress, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and held a René Caolvilla clutch with jewelry from Amrapali & Adeler Jewels – Pressroom Pic  

Miranda Lambert - Pretty In Pink, the country "Mama's Broken Heart" singer wore a Georges Hobeika body-conscious Spring 2014 Signature dress in a hot-pink hue. The country beauty joined her Sony stablemate Underwood in displaying ample cleavage her bright fluorescent number. Her fitted dress, showing off her well toned bod, with a sheer panel which was quite a sexy look for Rand a gorgeous look from the ankles where she could of done with opting for some sexy sandals rather than the clunky black heels. She wore her hair with Side-swept Cascading curls - Fashion Pic - Getty Images

Daily Mail The country hitmakers don't normal sport such a rock and roll aesthetic

Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert set the stage on fire belting out "Something Bad"

Scary stuff
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while wearing edgy sexy outfits—Miranda wowed in a red leather skirt with hardware on the hem over a pair of fishnet stockings and wore a distressed rock tee under a studded leather motorcycle jacket. She accessorized with a fingerless leather glove, a large cocktail ring, and armfuls of bracelets. Carrie sizzled in a pair of leather shorts - Image 
Fans will get another repeat look at the country stars at the 2014 CMT Awards where they will be again lighting up the stage with ‘Somethin’ Bad.’

Lambert's third look on the night was much more toned down. She spoke onstage in a chic black jumpsuit, which featured spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline. She incorporated color into the outfit with a pair of hot pink peep-toe ankle-strap heels - Image

"That's My Kind of Night": Caroline (Boyer) Bryan and multi-nominated country star and hubby Luke Bryan attend the awards. Bright colours, cutouts and sparkle were the main themes on the Billboard music red carpet this year. Caroline had fun with a bold Naeem Khan minidress bursting with orange color and wore blue open-toe sandals to show off her truly enviable pins. The "Crash My Party" bro-country singer nominated for Top Male artist scrubbed up good with a simple matchy matchy Dolce & Gabbana light grey suit, black shirt and black boots Tom Ford sunglasses & a Piaget timepiece. The pair looked like they were havin’ a great fun time! - Fashion Pic 

TOP: Aubrey Peeples (Ted Baker); Carrie Underwood (Oriett Domenech); 

Miranda Lambert (Georges Hobeika); Caroline Bryan (Naeem Khan)

BOTTOM: Lucy Hale (Alex Perry); Shania Twain (Roberto Cavalli); 

Cher Lloyd (Mikael D); Natasha Bedingfield (Valentino Resort)      

Lucy Hale - The 24-year old Pretty Little Liars actress turned "You Sound Good to Me" country singer was one of the presenters of the night, the starlet embraced the colour-blocking trend in a tea length Alex Perry dress from the Aussie designer. The contrasting bold navy, yellow and pink shades proved compatible here, with the lace fabrication providing a feminine flair. Focusing on the blue hue of her dress, she accessorized with Stuart Weitzman ankle-strap sandals and a Charlotte Olympia clutch, while a watermelon lippie picked up on the pink. Divine side-swept waves and a mix of jewels EF Collection, EFFY Jewelry & Graziela Gems and perfect makeup completed her youthful and fresh pretty outing - Image - Image

Critique: This is colorblocking hell. The young and pretty Pretty Little Liars star’s blocks of blue, yellow, and pink somehow make her look short and squat instead of chic.

Shania Twain - The 48-year-old Canadian country music legend looked as if she hasn’t aged a day! Adding an air of class and sophistication she looked drop-dead gorgeous. The mega-selling “Come On Over” superstar was there to present the award for Top Rock Album to Imagine Dragons. Shania is of course no stranger to Las Vegas as she currently is a headline performer at Caesar’s Palace. The much-missed “Woman In Me” singer/songwriter country diva wore a Roberto Cavalli black knit illusion gown which hugged her adorable curves in all the right places. The gown featured sheer spots and yoke with netting around the arms, neckline and skirt (wouldn’t be a Cavalli look without some allure - Simple, country cutie! - image - Image  Will Shania will be inspired to hit the studio after sitting through Billboard show. Her brunette flowing locks and smokey makeup only added to the simple carpet look.

Cher Lloyd – One of the earliest arrivals was the 20-year old Malvern, Worcestershire, England "Swagger Jagger" musician who has gone on to taste plenty of success Stateside after her past UK X Factor experince. Never one to shy away from a sartorial risk she looked completely at home as she stepped onto the red carpet wearing a Mikael D purple, cap-sleeved embellished cocktail dress featuring black bodycon detailing and no lack of extreme beading. Featuring a high neckline, sheer inserts and head-to-toe embellishment, she was certainly guaranteed that she was the centre of attention. She completed the hyper embellished look with metallic especially with those silver peep-toe Jimmy Choo platforms! Adding a pretty fuchsia lip and two-tone hair coaxed into a high top knot. Was the overall effect translated as a bit overwrought and costume-y? Image -Image

Cher and Austin Mahone were there to present the award for Top Streaming Artist to Miley Cyrus, who accepted the gong from her Bangerz tour live via satellite from a studio in Manchester, England. The 21-year-old wore a top with a large tongue emblazoned across it (image) as she said: 'Thank you to everyone for making this s*** possible... oops sorry, I'm on ABC!'

The other award that she won during the evening was Top Streaming Song (Video) for “Wrecking Ball.” Miley also apparently gave a great performance of the Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” during the show. Watch the video at dailymail.co.uk

Natasha Bedingfield: The 32-year old Haywards Heath, “Pocketful of Sunshine"/ "Easy" British singer-songwriter opted for sheer daring for the evening rocking “fresh and springy” look. She was dressed in a Valentino Resort 2014 sheer top with floral appliqués that showed off her black bra underneath. She matched with baggy white low-waisted pants with some studded

Valentino 'Rockstud' Pumps. She sported a flawless complexion and straight blond bangs to complete her look (Fashion Pic - Image - Getty Image)

Florida Georgia Line – Bro-Country/ pop duo Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard added some pop to the the red carpet before their on the Billboard Music Awards performance. Both look sexy cool and evoke the new country spirit–Kelley in his brown fringe jacket and pendant necklace and Hubbard with his all-black ensemble with lots of buttons on his jacket - Image

Billy Ray Cyrus – One of the worst: I guess this is what an aging country singer who doesn’t care puts on for an awards show? The father of twerk queen Miley Cyrus seems miles away from his Achy Breaky glory days donned in ripped jeans and an old-looking scuffy leather jacket, boots, black t-shirt and messy hair. Can, Miley help her dear old dad update his style cred? Image 

SOURCES: Getty Images

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