Taylor Swift's fans seem to love reading about her relationships almost as much as they love her hit singles — not that she seems to mind. The Red singer poked fun at her well-documented private life when she took to the stage at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday. "You are the longest and best relationship I have ever had," she told fans as she accepted her award — one of eight on the night.

The pop singer, 23, proved unstoppable at the ceremony, take home a haul of trophies, including Top Female Artist and Top Billboard 200 Artist.

She also gave an energetic performance of her track 22, dancing around in high-waisted shorts and a t-shirt featuring a unicorn and a rainbow and emblazoned with the slogan, "Haters gonna hate".

Those three words found resonance with Justin Bieber on the night. The Canadian star won three awards, including male artist, social artist and the fan-voted milestone award. Despite that, he received some booing as he accepted the latter.

"I'm 19-years-old; I think I'm doing a pretty good job," he said. "And basically from my heart, I really just want to say it should really be about the music, it should be about the craft that I'm making. This is not a gimmick.

"I'm an artist and I should be taken seriously, and all this other bull should not be spoken."

All eyes were on Taylor's best friend Selena Gomez as Justin, 19, received his awards. The Come & Get It singer, who also performed at the Las Vegas event, is rumoured to have reignited her romance with Justin, although they were seated apart during the ceremony.

It was a different story behind the scenes, however, where Selena was photographed kissing her former beau on the cheek as she walked past him with Taylor, who stuck her tongue out as the couple continue to talk.

Selena, 20, later posted the pic on her Instagram account with the caption, "Vegas hug + kiss."

Back on stage, and Madonna proved that after thirty years in the business, she is still top of her game. The Material Girl, 54, was named to touring artist, dance artist and received the dance album award for MDNA. "Thank you for supporting me for three decades," she said. "Without you I truly wouldn't be here."

She wasn't the only musical hero honoured on the night. Prince, also 54, was the proud recipient of the Icon award, and celebrated with a 60s-inspired performance of a medley of hits, including his new track, Fix Ur Life Up.

Other winners at the music awards included Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj, One Direction and Rihanna. Her rapper beau was one of several performers on the night, alongside Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera and Bruno Mars.