The 2006 Billboard Music Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The ultra-hip Las Vegas Strip sets the stage for performances and appearances by the year's chart-topping artists.

The only awards show to truly recognize No. 1 artists, The 2006 Billboard Music Awards honors the year's leading artists and songs as determined by actual performance on Billboard's weekly charts. The show celebrates the record-buying, internet-downloading and radio-listening public's favorite songs, albums and performers, creating a true souvenir of the year in music.

Based on sales data compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and radio information monitored by Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems, Billboard's music charts are the world's most authoritative. Winners are determined by the 2006 year-end charts, which will reflect the weekly Billboard charts published from December 2005 through November 2006.

As previously announced, Tony Bennett will receive the Century Award, Billboard's highest accolade for creative achievement. Now in its 15th year, the Century Award pays tribute to an artist's still-developing body of work. Past winners include such legendary musicians as Tom Petty, Buddy Guy, Billy Joel, Carlos Santana, James Taylor, Annie Lennox, Sting and Stevie Wonder.

The BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS has been televised exclusively on FOX since the show's inception. Host(s), performers, presenters and award finalists will be announced soon.