The 2011 Billboard Music Awards kicked off with a bang, as pop stars like Rihanna, Britney Spears and the Black Eyed Peas rocked the stage at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, while Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Taio Cruz and Lady Antebellum snagged the first awards of the night. Other performers taking the stage during the Billboard Music Awards included Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Far East Movement, Mary J Blige and Lil Wayne.
With presenters including Selena Gomez, Joe Jonas and Matthew Morrison, the Billboard Music Awards also featured a special tribute to Beyonce Knowles – as she was presented with the Billboard Millenium Award for her undeniably successful career achievements.
From Britney Spears delivering a pair of unexpected performances, to pop stars like Justin Bieber and Rihanna taking home trophies, to Beyoncé receiving the Billboard Millennium Award after a show-stopping number, the 2011 Billboard Music Awards were full of big surprises and unforgettable moments.
Zee Cafe business head Anurag Bedi said, “For Zee Cafe, it’s an extension of our brand promise, to showcase the prestigious Billboard Music Awards for the first time to Indian audiences. International music is hugely appreciated by Indian viewers. With a population of over a billion and a connection to the world like never before, India is becoming a preferred destination for international stars. Bollywood has already started capitalizing on this trend with Snoop Dog and Singh is King, Kylie Minogue and Blue and more recently Akon’s song for Ra.One. As a matter of fact, India’s evolving popular music landscape demands such initiatives. So, we cannot discount the fact that Indian viewers crave for International music content and even the international artist considers India one of the markets to tap into. It is Zee Cafe’s endeavor to bring the world to India.”
Billboard Music Awards producer and Juma Entertainment president Robert Horowitz said, “We are pleased to be teaming with Zee Network as the official broadcaster of the 2011 Billboard Music Awards in India. This is the first time this iconic music awards show will be seen in India and we are excited to have one of the country’s leading broadcasters help bring this great entertainment event to its population.”
