Adam Yauch, Whitney Houston and Donna Summer honored at 2012 Billboard Music Awards

The 2012 Billboard Music Awards Sunday night ceremony was also filled with tribute moments, but also an impromptu moment of silence for Bee Gees' star Robin Gibb, who passed away the same day as the broadcast. Several musicians who passed away this year were honored at the MGM Grand with special performances from artists such as Natasha Bedingfield, Cee-Lo Green and his ATLiens fellows Khujo, T-Mo and Big Gipp, and also Whoopi Goldberg took the stage.

Natasha Bedingfield sang a beautiful tribute to Donna Summer -- at least until the voiceover started talking over her and they cut to commercial in the middle of the song. Rapper Wiz Khalifa gave a shout-out to MCA (Adam Yauch) of the Beastie Boys before giving out the award for Best Duo/Group -- it went to LMFAO. Later, the hip-hop pioneer got a full tribute at the hands of Cee-Lo Green and Goodie Mob. The collectively known as Goodie Mob took to the stage at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards to perform their brand new single "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)".


Goodie Mob Adam MCA Yauch Tribute performance 2012 Billboard Music Awards


At the same time, Whitney Houston posthumously received the Millennium Award. Her daughter Bobbi Kristina and sister-in-law Pat came up to accept on her her behalf. Houston was also honored by Whoopi Goldberg, with performances of her music by John Legend and her "Sparkle" co-star Jordin Sparks taking on her signature anthem, "I Will Always Love You."


Whitney Houston Tribute performance 2012 Biillboard Music Awards


Other performers of the night included: The Wanted, Chris Brown, LMFAO, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Justin Bieber, Lonkin Park, Katy Perry, Usher, Carly Rae Jepsen, Nelly Furtado.