Justin Timberlake accepted seven Billboard Music Awards by video while he is on tour, leaving it to a Michael Jackson hologram to steal the show at the ceremony in Las Vegas.

It mimicked Michael Jackson’s famous dance moves while performing Slave to the Rhythm, a song from the late star’s new posthumous album Xscape.

Justin Timberlake’s haul of awards included top artist and Billboard 200 album.

Imagine Dragons won five and Pharrell, Robin Thicke and TI each won four.

Katy Perry was awarded top female artist, while Jennifer Lopez was handed the Icon Award, giving an emotional speech and performing at both the opening and finale of the show.

Justin Timberlake accepted seven Billboard Music Awards by video while he is on tour (photo Billboard)

Many artists performed remotely as they were on tour including Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus, who sang her cover of The Beatles track Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, with Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips.

Accepting the award for top streaming artist Miley Cyrus thanked her “amazing fans” before sticking her tongue out.

Justin Timberlake appeared on screen dancing with his band to accept the evening’s big prize of top artist.

“All the other finalists, Miley, Imagine Dragons, Bruno, Katy, I love you guys, it’s not a competition, but if it is, I won!” he said.

The biggest moment of the show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena came when the Michael Jackson hologram took over the stage, accompanied by dancers, beaming lights and blasts of fire – the result of several months planning.

Fans voted to give the Milestone Award to Carrie Underwood, who teamed up with fellow country star Miranda Lambert for a performance.

Imagine Dragons were happy to accept their five awards – which included top group and rock artist, in their home town of Las Vegas.

Lorde performed her new hit Tennis Court and was a double winner – taking the prizes for best new artist and rock song for Royals.

Robin Thicke performed a new song Get Her Back and paid tribute to estranged wife Paula Patton as he collected top R&B song for Blurred Lines.

Kendall Jenner fared less well on stage, fumbling her words while introducing Australian boyband 5 Seconds of Summer.

“And now we welcome … One …” Kendall Jenner said, appearing to be about to say One Direction, before explaining: “Guys, I’m the worst reader.”

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