Mariah Carey, who was a finalist in seven categories, won five awards, while “American Idol” Carrie Underwood and Shakira each took home three. The show was broadcast live on Fox from Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena and hosted by artist/actor LL Cool J.

50 Cent’s awards were rounded out by R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap and Hot 100 artist of the year titles and the ringtone of the year award for “Candy Shop” featuring Olivia. In Paris and unable to attend, 50 Cent was informed of his feats via a cell phone call from LL Cool J.

Carey capped her 2005 comeback by being named the female Billboard 200 album artist and female R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the year. Her long-running No. 1 single “We Belong Together” earned her the Hot 100 song, Hot 100 airplay of the year and rhythmic top 40 title of the year awards.

Among Underwood’s honors was the top-selling Hot 100 song of the year award for “Inside Your Heaven/Independence Day,” while Shakira’s awards included the Latin pop album artist of the year trophy.

No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani won the new artist of the year award on the strength of her solo debut, “Love.Angel.Music.Baby,” while her single “Hollaback Girl” was the digital song of the year. Stefani called up collaborator Pharrell to the stage to accept the latter award with her.

Reggaeton sensation Daddy Yankee also won two trophies, including Latin album of the year for “Barrio Fino” (El Cartel/Machete), as did Mario for his single “Let Me Love You,” including R&B/hip-hop song of the year.

Though he’s just two albums into his solo career, Kanye West was honored for his significant success with Billboard’s Artist Achievement Award. “When I first came out I was a hot head — I thought I was the greatest,” he said in accepting the trophy. “I still think I’m the greatest.”

R. Kelly, who performed earlier in the show by a pool filled with scantily clad dancers, led the show’s finale, “Let Your Light Shine,” a song he wrote as a tribute to Gulf Coast hurricane victims as part of the “Come Together Now” relief project. Kelly was joined by a chorus, a cast of dancers and most of the evening’s participating artists, all dressed in white.

Billboard Music Awards are based on sales data compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and radio information monitored by Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems. Winners are determined by the 2005 year-end charts, which reflect the weekly charts published from December 2004 through November 2005. Billboard compiles more than 250 recap charts for its annual Year In Music issue, which will hit newsstands Dec. 16.