Billboard Awards 2013: Justin Bieber Booed By Award Show Attendees, “I’m An Artist And I Should Be Taken Seriously”

The Billboard Awards 2013 awarded the 19-year-old pop sensation the Milestone, after he also took the top male artist and top social artist recognition Sunday night. But Justin Bieber was booed by award show attendees when he was accepting the recognition, prompting the young singer to take the opportunity to make a statement.

An emotional Bieber said in his acceptance speech, "I'm 19 years old. I think I'm doing a pretty good job. And basically, from my heart, I just really want to say it should really be about the music. This is not a gimmick. I'm an artist and I should be taken seriously, and all this other bulls--t should not be spoken of."

His spoken words received both booes and cheers, although the crowd of singers in attendance gave their full support to the young artist, even giving him a standing ovation at one point.

Later in the press room, singer Taylor Swift was asked about Bieber receiving the honor at such a young age, to which she responded, “Can we have another question, please?”

The snub is believed to be related to Bieber’s ex-Selena Gomez, who was at the awards to perform her song. She was seen at Swift’s side both in the audience and backstage several times throughout the evening.

Host Tracy Morgan tried to negate the booing incident by saying, “Don’t be booin’ nobody, this ain’t ‘Showtime at the Apollo.’”

Other nominees for the inaugural Milestone Award included Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars, making Justin Bieber the first recipient of the award.