AceShowbiz -

The 2015 Billboard Music Awards was officially kicked off at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17 with Taylor Swift premiering her star-studded "Bad Blood" music video. Making a rare live TV appearance, Van Halen later performed "Panama" before One Direction was announced as the winner in the Top Duo/Group category.

The group, which made their first awards show appearance as a four-piece, collected their trophy and thanked fans as well as their former bandmate Zayn Malik. "There's one more person to share this with and that is our brother Zayn," said Liam Payne.

Swift then stole the spotlight again as her latest studio effort "1989" won the Top Billboard 200 Album Award. "I am so happy to win this for '1989'. We put it out and you guys embraced change... for me doing something new. I love you more than I will ever be able to say to you. I love you so much," she gushed.

Later that night, Swift also won the Top Female Artist title. "To win female artist is incredible because one of the best things to happen to me is I have surrounded myself with incredible women. To all the girls out there thank you for this award," she said in her speech.

Also joining Swift and 1D in the winners list was Iggy Azalea who took home the Top Rap Song honor for "Fancy". The Aussie raptress took the stage with her collaborator Charli XCX to accept her award and thanked the British beauty for her contribution to the hit. "When I first wrote this song it was leaked and it was called Leave It and it wasn't a number one hit. And Charli really made it what it is," she told the crowd.