The 2011 Billboard Music Awards took place last night, and what a year it was for women in the recording industry! Although there were plenty of male performers and award recipients, women dominated the evening by collecting statuettes and offering heart-stopping performances. Taylor Swift was the first winner of the evening, approaching the stage in a gorgeous glittering dress to collect her award for Album Artist of the Year. Later, she was honored again as Country Artist of the Year. " I'm just having the best time doing this," she told the audience.

Performers included Rihanna, who gave a stunning rendition of her hit single " S&M," and Ke$ha, who has never released a single that didn't land in the Billboard Top 10. Nicki Minaj, one of the most successful female rap artists in history, also performed - and was joined at the end of her set by living legend Britney Spears. But the real heroine of the evening was Beyonce, who was honored with the Billboard Millennium Award for her incredible achievements in the recording industry.

First Lady Michelle Obama, Bono, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga paid tribute to Beyonce on film prior to the star's performance. Mrs. Obama applauded Beyonce for the role model she provides to so many women." Beyonce has made history and she's not even 30 yet," added Wonder.