Taylor Swift was a major winner as she earned 10 golden microphones including highest honor Top Artist but was outdone by controversial country star Morgan Wallen who earned 11 at the new version 2023  Billboard Music Awards on Sunday.

 The 33-year-old pop megastar – who made a tearful return to the stage Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on her Eras Tour after tragedy – sent in a video message as she accepted several trophies.

The star – who had the most nominations on the night with 20 – said: ‘Well, this is unreal. This is the fact, that you guys have given me ten Billboard Awards, I’m talking to the fans specifically, none of this happens without you.

‘Billboards base everything off of what you are listening to, and what you’re passionate about and I’m so honored that this year you made the tour, The Eras Tour, so magical.’

She went on to acknowledge her Swifties by thanking them for supporting all of her endeavors including seeing her concert film along with downloading, streaming, and buying her rerecorded versions of her albums.

Taylor Swift thanks fans as she receives 10 awards at 2023 BBMAs

Taylor Swift was a major winner as she earned 10 golden microphones including highest honor Top Artist

Happy: The 33-year-old pop megastar – who is currently in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil on her Eras Tour – sent in a video message as she accepted several trophies

Taylor concluded: ‘You went and saw the movie, you cared about my recordings. I just like, I love you so much. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have you in my corner and caring about the music that I make. So thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you 10 million times, for this.’

Taylor did defeat Wallen in the biggest category of the night Top Artist in addition to  Drake, Luke Combs, and SZA.

The A-lister also earned Top Female Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Radio Songs Artist, Top Song Sales Artist, Top Billboard Global 200 Artist, Top Billboard Global (excluding US) Artist, Top Country Female Artist, and Top Selling Song for Anti-Hero.

She was the most awarded female of the night and her 10 wins tied Drake’s record to be the most-awarded artist in Billboard Music Awards history.

The girlfriend of NFL star Travis Kelce was also outdone by Morgan Wallen who earned 11 awards two years after he was caught on tape using a racial slur.

The 30-year-old country crooner accepted several awards including Top Male Artist and Top Hot 100 Artist.

Wallen was able to best Taylor in the Top Streaming Artist category as he triumphed over her along with Drake, SZA, and Zach Bryan.

The Last Night hitmaker happily posed with his 11 shiny new trophies as he said: ‘Well, you know, like the song says “win some, you lose some.” Last award show I went to we came home empty-handed and this one I don’t have enough hands for them all.

2023 Billboard Music Award Winners: AT A GLANCE

Top Artist: Taylor Swift

Top Male Artist: Morgan Wallen

Top Female Artist: Taylor Swift

Top Billboard 200 Artist: Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Artist: Morgan Wallen

Top Steraming Songs Artist: Morgan Wallen

Top Radio Songs Artist: Taylor Swift

On top: Taylor Swift was a major winner as she earned 10 golden microphones including highest honor Top Artist

Top Billboard Global 200 Artist – Taylor Swift

Top Country Artist: Morgan Wallen

Top Billboard 200 Album – Morgan Wallen, One Thing At A Time

Top Global K-pop Artist: NewJeans

Top Latin Female Artist – Karol G

Top Latin Touring Artist – Karol G

Chart Achievement Award: Mariah Carey

 She said: ‘Well, this is unreal. This is the fact, that you guys have given me ten Billboard Awards, I’m talking to the fans specifically, none of this happens without you’

She went on to acknowledge her Swifties by thanking them for supporting all of her endeavors including seeing her concert film along with downloading, streaming, and buying her rerecorded versions of her albums as she said: ‘You went and saw the movie, you cared about my recordings. I just like, I love you so much. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have you in my corner and caring about the music that I make. So thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you 10 million times, for this’

‘Either way, I promise I’m going to stay the same regardless if we come home with ten or zero. I’m gonna give ya’ll my all every single night, every single time I go into the studio, so thank you! This award, all these awards, are really for my fans, man. Thank you guys so much. Thank you.’

He went on to thank his rabid fans for all of their support even through the controversial times.

Wallen concluded: ‘You took a boy from East Tennessee driving a two-door Toyota Tacoma and turned me into one of Billboard’s top artists so God bless ya’ll.’

Meanwhile, Mariah Carey was presented with a special honor by her twin children Moroccan and Monroe, 12.

The 54-year-old pop megastar earned the Chart Achievement Award for her holiday classic All I Want For Christmas.

The song  – which was recorded in 1994 – is the first song to lead Hot 100 charts across five distinct years and the only song to rain in more than two individual years.

Mariah’s two preteen children donned winterwear as they walked on stage to hand their mother the vintage golden microphone trophy.

She made sure to recognize them first during her acceptance speech as she said: ‘Thank you babies. Thank you. Thank you so much. I couldn’t ask for better presenters than Roc and Roe. Thank you guys.

On top: The girlfriend of NFL star Travis Kelce was also outdone by Morgan Wallen who earned 11 awards two years after he was caught on tape using a racial slur

The Last Night hitmaker happily posed with his 11 shiny new trophies as he said: ‘ Well, you know, like the song says “win some, you lose some.” Last award show I went to we came home empty-handed and this one I don’t have enough hands for them all’

He went on to thank his rabid fans for all of their support even through the controversial times as Wallen concluded: ‘You took a boy from East Tennessee driving a two-door Toyota Tacoma and turned me into one of Billboard’s top artists so God bless ya’ll’

‘Alright well, I just want to say Billboard has been an integral part of my life for a very long time now. Even though I don’t acknowledge time, I kind of have to admit that some of my most memorable times in my career are connected to Billboard and the BBMAs.

‘One thing I really have to say is that I’m so grateful for the fact that my fans have been here with me through the hits, the misses, the No. 1 and the bubbling unders. I love you so much.’

As Mariah has placed No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart in a record 19 distinct years she made sure to talk about the impact the song has had on her life and career.

She explained: ‘This award is particularly special to me because the song itself changed my entire life. When I first sat down to write All I Want For Christmas Is You.

Mariah Carey performs All I Want For Christmas Is You at BBMAs

Aww: Mariah Carey was presented with a special honor by her twin children Moroccan and Monroe, 12, at the new version 2023 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday

She made sure to recognize them first during her acceptance speech as she said: ‘Thank you babies. Thank you. Thank you so much. I couldn’t ask for better presenters than Roc and Roe. Thank you guys’

Record breaker: The song – which was recorded in 1994 – is the first song to lead Hot 100 charts across five distinct years and the only song to rain in more than two individual years

Wonder in white: She proudly showed off her new hardware in the pressroom

‘I never could have imagined that I would be standing here three months later accepting a special award for it okay, so I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s allowed this song to be part of their holiday soundtrack each year. I’m so honored to be receiving this award for this little songs chart achievements but the greatest achievement for me is being here with all of you and feeling the love that only music can generate. Thank you so much!’

Meanwhile, Karol G took home the first awards of the night in the Top Latin Female Artist and Latin Touring Artist categories.

The 32-year-old Columbian singer-songwriter took to the podium to accept her two shiny new vintage microphone trophies.

In the Top Latin Female Artist category she beat out international heavy-hitters ROSALÍA and Shakira while she won out over RBD and Daddy Yankee in the Latin Touring Artist category.

Double trouble: Karol G took home the first awards of the night in the Top Latin Female Artist and Latin Touring Artist categories at the new version 2023 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday

Golden girl: The 32-year-old Columbian singer-songwriter took to the podium to accept her two shiny new vintage microphone trophies

Wow factor: She later took to the press room to pose with her new gongs

 She addressed her fans as she said (in Spanish): ‘I’m very excited. I have to say that I’m a little more nervous than usual. We’re very close to each other. And I like that, but it’s the first time I have accepted an award this close to y’all. It’s very exciting being able to share this moment, like another whole lot of moments we have shared, this is very special’

Proud: She continued by saying she was happy to accept not one, but two awards including that her Mañana Será Bonito Tour is the ‘baddest’ Latin tour

She went on to thank the people involved in her recent tour and even hinted at her new relationship with musical artist Feid as she said: ‘I want to thank all the people that were part of the tour. It was one of the most extraordinary things that happened to me this year. In addition to the album I released, that was very special, very intimate, you know the reasons why’

She addressed her fans as she said (in Spanish):  ‘I’m very excited. I have to say that I’m a little more nervous than usual. We’re very close to each other. And I like that, but it’s the first time I have accepted an award this close to y’all.

‘It’s very exciting being able to share this moment, like another whole lot of moments we have shared, this is very special.’

She continued by saying she was happy to accept not one, but two awards including that her Mañana Será Bonito Tour is the ‘baddest’ Latin tour.

Golden: Meanwhile Bebe Rexha and David Guetta were also big winners as they accepted the Top Dance/ Electronic Song Award for their hit track I’m Good

The 34-year-old Brooklyn, New York native – born Bleta Rexha – took to the podium to address her fans as she said: ‘Thank you guys I want to say thank you so much to Billboard. Thank you to my fans, c’mon Rexhars stand up Rexhars! Let’s go!’

Karol – born – Carolina Giraldo Navarro said: ‘I think this is a great opportunity to be grateful because these awards mean the connection is there between all of you and me.

‘I think you’re more than fans — you’re part of the team and this family. Ya’ll know we have a very special connection, even though we don’t know each other or we don’t see each other. A lot of things connect us through the music.

She went on to thank the people involved in her recent tour and even hinted at her new relationship with musical artist Feid.

She said: ‘I want to thank all the people that were part of the tour. It was one of the most extraordinary things that happened to me this year. In addition to the album I released, that was very special, very intimate, you know the reasons why.

Knockout: Peso Pluma was also a big winner as he earned Top Latin Song for Ella Baila Sola alongside collaborator Eslabon Armado. The 24-year-old Zapopan, Mexico musician – born Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija – performed the song before being presented the award as his boxing-centric performance included him being walked out by iconic heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson

After the performance, the 57-year-old Brooklyn native gave the reggaeton star the trophy as he said: ‘Give it up to the people’s champion, Peso Pluma!’

Peso Pluma was grateful for the recognition as he said: ‘Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Thanks, Mr. Tyson for being here. Thank you to all the fans. ‘Thank you for all the love, for the support and I would like to thank the Billboard Awards for having me here. Thank you very much!’

Big win: Fuerza Regida won Top Duo/Group

Flower power: Lauren Daigle earned the award for Top Christian Artist

 ‘So, I’m very happy, very grateful. I don’t know if any of you were on the tour? You see? We’re just that close. The point is, thank you very much for giving me that love.’

Meanwhile Bebe Rexha and David Guetta were also big winners as they accepted the Top Dance/ Electronic Song Award for their hit track I’m Good (Blue).

The two hitmakers beat out Bizarrap & Shakira, Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53, Elton John & Britney Spears, Hold Me Closer, Tiësto ft. Tate McRae, 10:35, and even David Guetta himself for his collaboration with Anne-Marie & Coi Leray titled Baby Don’t Hurt Me.

The 34-year-old Brooklyn, New York native – born Bleta Rexha – took to the podium to address her fans as she said: ‘Thank you guys I want to say thank you so much to Billboard. Thank you to my fans, c’mon Rexhars stand up Rexhars! Let’s go!

The Queen of Christmas: Mariah Carey delivered the first ever awards show performance of her hit song ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ at the Billboard Music Awards 2023 on Sunday

The holiday spirit: The hitmaker, 54, wowed in a white mini dress with the front zipper tugged down low, along with matching tights and knee-high boots

Her twins: The mom-of-two was joined by her twins Moroccan and Monroe, 12, for the holiday-themed performance

Swinging into the holiday season: The songstress known as the Queen of Christmas, gave a very festive performance, as she arrived onstage via a red swing

Feeling festive: Dancers clad in warm winter wear skated around the set

Steamy: Earlier in the day Karol G, 32, kicked off the event, with a steamy performance of her songs Qlona, Labios Mordidos, and Ojos Ferrari

Energetic: The Colombian sensation showed her toned midriff in a white bra and sheer sweatpants as she performed in a shallow body of water

Sultry routine: She was joined by a shirtless male dancer, with the duo raising temperatures with steamy choreography

Drenched: Her platinum blonde tresses were drenched from the water

Edgy: At one point Karol laid back in the water as a number of showed off their dances moves in front of her

Aquatic: They then began circling and splashing her with water

Unique: Karol as not afraid to take a risk with her water based performance

‘I want to thank my entire team, my label, it has been such an incredible journey when David Guetta, who I have done I’m Good with of course. We did it in 2017 and we didn’t think it was going to become such a worldwide anthem, you know, we wanted to flip a fun song from back in the day and just make it feel good.

‘I just can’t believe how far this song has gone. 52 weeks at number one okay. And I grew up watching Billboard and to be here right now like it is such an awesome full circle moment. I just want to say thank you so much! Over to you Guetta, let’s go.’

Iconic French dance music producer and DJ Guetta, 56, then accepted the honor from a different location as he said: ‘Thank you so, so much. This is incredible. Bebe, I love you, thank you for being part of my life. I think we bring luck to each other.

‘I am so proud of you. I saw you starting as a songwriter and to being a superstar right now.’

He went on to thank the music industry trade publication.

Stunner: Meanwhile Bebe Rexha, 34, stunned while performing ‘I’m Good (Blue)’ and ‘One In a Million’ with David Guetta

Incredible: She slipped into an incredible black and silver corset that clung to her hourglass curves

Space boots: She donned silver space boots

Blondie: Her blonde tresses were styled straight for the night

Her team: Bebe was joined by a number of backup dancers

Fan favorite: Country crooner Morgan Wallen, 30, performed his fan-favorite song ’98 Braves

Sporty: Tate McRae, 20, hit the stage in a bedazzled blue bra and black pants as she performed her song Greedy

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Fun: The songstress showed off her electric dance moves

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Suited up: Tate started out in a grey blazer before revealing the sparkling bra underneath

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Boy band: South Korean boy band Stray Kids gave a lively performance of their songs S-Class and LALALALA

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The boys: The band consists of members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N

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Worldwide: They delivered their show from Hwajung Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea

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Fire show: Their set featured fiery blazes surrounding the stage

Guetta continued: ‘Billboard, I have been reading Billboard my entire life. So this makes me very proud, 52 weeks number one, it’s just unbelievable. Love you guys!’

Peso Pluma was also a big winner as he earned Top Latin Song for Ella Baila Sola alongside collaborator Eslabon Armado.

The 24-year-old Zapopan, Mexico musician – born Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija – performed the song before being presented the award as his boxing-centric performance included him being walked out by iconic heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson.

After the performance, the 57-year-old Brooklyn native gave the reggaeton star the trophy as he said: ‘Give it up to the people’s champion, Peso Pluma!’

Peso Pluma was grateful for the recognition as he said: ‘Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Thanks, Mr. Tyson for being here. Thank you to all the fans.

‘Thank you for all the love, for the support and I would like to thank the Billboard Awards for having me here. Thank you very much!’

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Bringing the glam! Music sensations Mariah Carey, Karol G, and Bebe Rexha were among the stars bringing some serious style to the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

Karol G performs QLONA at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

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Dazzling: The We Belong Together hitmaker, 54, wowed in a white mini dress with the front zipper tugged down low, along with matching tights, and knee-high boots

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Va va voom! Karol G, 32, dropped jaws in a sexy, nude inspired dress that displayed her fabulous legs. Her blonde locks were also styled in a slick, edgy look

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Flawless: The Colombian hitmaker, 32, opted for smokey eye makeup

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Siren: Bebe, 34, was a vision of glamour in a black dress with metallic accents at the Oxnard, California venue

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Bombshell: The I’m Good singer accessorized with mesh black and silver gloves, and wore her light blonde tresses in a straight style

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Edgy: Tate McRae showed off her cool sense of style in a semi-transparent white tank top and black pleated skirt with silver embellishments, as she posed at the Moxy Hotel in Los Angeles

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Sporty: Peso Pluma, 24, rocked a black Balenciaga sports jersey and oversized track pants as he posed at The Mayan location in Los Angeles

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Cool guy: The Mexican musician – born Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija – paired the outfit with a black snapback and a number of silver chains

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Packing a punch! Boxing legend Mike Tyson, 57, rocked a long-sleeve black top, blue jeans and white sneakers to the event

The annual event which celebrates the music charts took on a drastically different format this year which featured music performances and winner acceptance speech posted via Billboard’s website and social media channels.

By downplaying a traditional ceremony, the new format allowed artists to hold performances across the globe.

Unlike other award shows, which have voters choosing winners based on quality and their subjective tastes, the BBMAs are ‘data driven’ and ‘chosen solely based on how well they perform on the Billboard charts, tracking album and digital song sales, radio airplay, as well as streaming and social engagement to choose the winner of each category,’ according to the publication.

Awards eligibility for the BBMAs was determined this year based on chart performance from November 19, 2022, through Oct. 21, 2023.

2023 Billboard Music Award Winners

Top Artist 

Drake

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen

SZA

Taylor Swift – WINNER

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Taylor Swift was a major winner as she earned 10 golden microphones including highest honor Top Artist

Top New Artist 

Bailey Zimmerman

Ice Spice

Jelly Roll

Peso Pluma

Zach Bryan – WINNER

Top Male Artist 

Drake

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen – WINNER

The Weeknd

Zach Bryan

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Top guy: Taylor was outdone by controversial country star Morgan Wallen who earned 11

Top Female Artist 

Beyoncé

Miley Cyrus

Olivia Rodrigo

SZA

Taylor Swift – WINNER

Top Duo/Group 

Eslabon Armado

Fifty Fifty

Fuerza Regida – WINNER

Grupo Frontera

Metallica

Top Billboard 200 Artist 

Drake

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen

SZA

Taylor Swift – WINNER

Top Hot 100 Artist 

Drake

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen – WINNER

SZA

Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Songwriter 

Ashley Gorley

Jack Antonoff

SZA

Taylor Swift – WINNER

Zach Bryan

Top Hot 100 Producer

Jack Antonoff

Joey Moi – WINNER

Metro Boomin

Taylor Swift

Zach Bryan

Top Streaming Songs Artist 

Drake

Morgan Wallen – WINNER

SZA

Taylor Swift

Zach Bryan

Top Radio Songs Artist 

Miley Cyrus

Morgan Wallen

SZA

Taylor Swift – WINNER

The Weeknd

Top Song Sales Artist 

Jason Aldean

Miley Cyrus

Morgan Wallen

Oliver Anthony Music

Taylor Swift – WINNER

Top Billboard Global 200 Artist 

Bad Bunny

Morgan Wallen

SZA

Taylor Swift – WINNER

The Weeknd

Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Artist 

Bad Bunny

Ed Sheeran

NewJeans

Taylor Swift – WINNER

The Weeknd

Chart Achievement Award

Mariah Carey – WINNER

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Sweet: Mariah Carey was presented with a special honor by her twin children Morrocan and Monroe, 12, at the event

Top R&B Artist 

Beyoncé

Chris Brown

Rihanna

SZA – WINNER

The Weeknd

Top R&B Male Artist 

Chris Brown

Miguel

The Weeknd – WINNER

Top R&B Female Artist 

Beyonce

Rihanna

SZA – WINNER

Top R&B Touring Artist 

Beyoncé – WINNER

Bruno Mars

The Weeknd

Top Rap Artist 

21 Savage

Drake – WINNER

Lil Baby

Metro Boomin

Travis Scott

Top Rap Male Artist 

21 Savage

Drake – WINNER

Travis Scott

Top Rap Female Artist 

Doja Cat

Ice Spice

Nicki Minaj – WINNER

Top Rap Touring Artist 

50 Cent

Drake – WINNER

Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa

Top Country Artist 

Bailey Zimmerman

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen – WINNER

Taylor Swift

Zach Bryan

Top Country Male Artist 

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen – WINNER

Zach Bryan

Top Country Female Artist 

Lainey Wilson

Megan Moroney

Taylor Swift – WINNER

Top Country Duo/Group 

Old Dominion

Parmalee

Zac Brown Band – WINNER

Top Country Touring Artist 

George Strait

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen – WINNER

Top Rock Artist 

Jelly Roll

Noah Kahan

Stephen Sanchez

Steve Lacy

Zach Bryan – WINNER

Top Rock Duo/Group 

Arctic Monkeys – WINNER

Foo Fighters

Metallica

Top Rock Touring Artist 

Coldplay – WINNER

Depeche Mode

Elton John

Top Latin Artist 

Bad Bunny – WINNER

Eslabon Armado

Fuerza Regida

KAROL G

Peso Pluma

Top Latin Male Artist 

Bad Bunny – WINNER

Peso Pluma

Rauw Alejandro

Top Latin Female Artist 

KAROL G – WINNER

ROSALÍA

Shakira

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Double trouble: Karol G won two including Top Latin Female Artist

Top Latin Duo/Group 

Eslabon Armado

Fuerza Regida – WINNER

Grupo Frontera

Top Latin Touring Artist 

Daddy Yankee

Karol G – WINNER

RBD

Top Global K-Pop Artist 

Jimin

NewJeans – WINNER

Stray Kids

TOMORROW X TOGETHER

TWICE

Top K-Pop Touring Artist 

BLACKPINK – WINNER

SUGA

TWICE