Taylor Swift Dominates Billboard Music Awards

Taylor Swift poses in the press room at the Billboard Music Awards

Taylor Swift was the star of the evening at last night’s (May 19) Billboard Music Awards, which aired live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Swift earned eight trophies, including Artist of the Year, Top Female Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Country Artist and Top Digital Songs Artist. Her single “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” was named Top Country Song, while her album RED was named the Top Billboard 200 Album and the Top Country Album.

The 23-year-old singer-songwriter gave thanks to her legion of followers. “To the fans who come to the shows and who buy the albums, I just want you to know one thing,” she said after winning Artist of the Year, “You are the longest and best relationship I’ve had.”

Released in October 2012, RED has sold more than 5.8 million copies worldwide, including 1.2 million during its first week of release in the United States.

Other big winners during the awards show include Madonna, Nicki Minaj and One Direction. Each artist earned three awards apiece.