2013 Billboard Music Awards Shoe Moments: Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez & More

On May 19, 2013, the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas delivered a red-carpet lineup that perfectly captured a moment of stylistic transition—where high glamour, provocation, and experimentation collided in equal measure.

From Miley Cyrus confidently owning the jumpsuit trend to Selena Gomez passing up a neon-shoe moment, and Kesha pushing the boundaries of exposure in a way that made even Gwyneth Paltrow’s infamous no-underwear appearance feel restrained, the night offered no shortage of conversation-starting looks.

Rather than separating hits from misses, this roundup focuses on what stood out—whether through bold footwear choices, unexpected styling decisions, or dresses that sparked debate. These are the shoe and fashion moments from the 2013 Billboard Music Awards that continue to reflect the era’s fearless approach to red-carpet dressing.

Taylor Swift Sets the Tone in Jimmy Choo “Suki” Sandals and a Zuhair Murad Mini

Bagging a total of 11 awards, Taylor Swift was the big winner of the night. Although a long gown (just like the one she wore at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards) would have been perfect for receiving the awards, her Zuhair Murad dress was no less beautiful.

Taylor Swift shines in a Zuhair Murad sequin dress, capturing a modern and glamorous look at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Her dress sparkled with geometrically patterned sequins, creating an ultramodern, glamorous look.

Taylor Swift stunned with her sleek ponytail and signature bangs, wearing a dazzling blue geometric sequin Zuhair Murad mini dress featuring sheer panel accents for a modern touch

Taylor Swift dazzles in a Zuhair Murad minidress and sparkling Jimmy Choo ‘Suki’ sandals at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 19, 2013 (Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough / Apega / WENN / Judy Eddy / Visual)

She knows what works for her: Taylor Swift was her usual sparkly self in a beaded electric blue Zuhair Murad minidress and no-fail Jimmy Choo “Suki” sandals.

Taylor Swift shows off her feet in sleek Jimmy Choo “Suki” platform sandals, their delicate straps and sky-high heels adding a modern edge to her sparkling red-carpet look

Miley Cyrus Commits to the Jumpsuit Trend in Givenchy Shark-Lock Sandals

Miley Cyrus makes a bold statement in a chic Balmain jumpsuit paired with edgy Givenchy Shark-Lock sandals at the Billboard Music Awards (Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough / Apega / WENN / Judy Eddy / Visual)

Miley Cyrus had been leaning into jumpsuits at the time—and the silhouette clearly suited her confident, fashion-forward style.

For the Billboard Music Awards, she chose a Balmain Spring 2013 jumpsuit and finished the look with Givenchy Shark-Lock sandals, repeating the edgy hardware detail that had become one of her go-to red-carpet signatures.

Miley Cyrus anchors her crystal-studded jumpsuit with Givenchy Shark-Lock sandals, their signature ankle-strap hardware adding an unmistakably edgy finish to the look

Selena Gomez Chooses Restraint with Jimmy Choo “Malin” Heels and Atelier Versace

Selena Gomez, who performed on stage and introduced Taylor Swift, looked hot in white.

Selena Gomez rocked a neon-accented Atelier Versace Spring 2013 dress (Credit: Apega / Judy Eddy / Visual / FayesVision / Nikki Nelson / Elizabeth Goodenough / WENN)

She revealed quite a lot in this sexy number featuring illusion paneling in sheer mesh from the left collarbone down to the right hip, as well as a thigh-high slit.

Selena Gomez dazzles in a neon-accented Atelier Versace dress at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, showcasing sheer illusion paneling and a dramatic thigh-high slit

Selena Gomez opts for elegance with Jimmy Choo ‘Malin’ heels, subtly complementing her neon-piped Versace dress at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards (Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough / Apega / WENN / Judy Eddy / Visual)

Selena Gomez’s neon-piped Atelier Versace dress presented a natural opportunity to amplify the look with equally bold footwear.

Instead, she opted for Jimmy Choo “Malin” heels—a refined choice, though one that kept the ensemble more restrained than it might have been with brighter, color-forward accessories.

Selena Gomez finishes her white Atelier Versace gown with metallic Jimmy Choo “Malin” sandals, their delicate ankle straps and mirrored shine subtly echoing the dress’s sleek, modern lines

Kesha Pushes Provocation in Givenchy Zippered Wedges and a Skirt-Free Tunic

Kesha’s style has long leaned toward the unconventional, favoring bold silhouettes and attention-grabbing statements.

For the Billboard Music Awards, she chose a Givenchy tunic—an already daring runway piece that became even more provocative through her styling on the red carpet.

Kesha makes a bold statement in a hip-high slit Givenchy tunic at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, foregoing a skirt for a daring look

From the front, the look initially read as a restrained black tunic, with a high neckline and subtle ruffle detailing suggesting a classic LBD silhouette.

From the side, however, the design revealed its true intent: dramatic hip-high slits on both sides, transforming the piece into a far more provocative statement as she moved.

Kesha showcased her bold style with a sleek, high ponytail hairstyle and a daring black Givenchy tunic featuring dramatic hip-high slits and ruffle details

On the runway, the Givenchy tunic was styled with a coordinating skirt. For the awards, Kesha omitted the skirt entirely, amplifying the impact of the design and emphasizing the collection’s daring proportions on the red carpet.

Kesha turns heads with her daring look and Givenchy zippered wedges, stealing the spotlight on the 2013 Billboard Music Awards red carpet (Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough / Apega / WENN / Judy Eddy / Visual)

Kesha steps out in nude wedge sandals with clean ankle straps, grounding her daring look with a streamlined silhouette against the bright blue carpet

Z LaLa Courts Shock Value in Silver Foil Styling and Heel-Less Shoes

Z LaLa captivates attention in a unique, silver-foil ensemble, complete with avant-garde, heel-less shoes at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards (Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough / Apega / WENN / Judy Eddy / Visual)

If Z LaLa’s intention with this outfit was to attract as much attention to herself as possible, then it certainly worked.

Unfortunately, the ensemble also drew attention to how cheap it looked, like a DIY Lady Gaga outfit, down to the silver-foil-paper-wrapped heel-less shoes.

Z LaLa commands attention in sculptural, heel-less shoes wrapped in reflective silver foil and crystal accents, turning footwear into a full-on performance piece on the blue carpet

Carly Rae Jepsen Leans Edgy in Gio Diev “Nikko” Pumps and Sheer Paneling

Carly Rae Jepsen, who received eight nominations and won Top Digital Song and Top Pop Song, wore a black mesh dress with strategically placed panels to cover her private parts. The “Call Me Maybe” singer looked exciting and edgy in it.

Carly Rae Jepsen rocks a daring black mesh Dyanthe dress with cleverly placed panels, showcasing an edgy look at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Carly Rae Jepsen pairs her sheer-paneled Dyanthe dress with sleek Gio Diev ‘Nikko’ pumps, showcasing her flair for contemporary fashion at the Billboard event (Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough / Apega / WENN / Judy Eddy / Visual)

Carly Rae Jepsen paired her Dyanthe sheer-paneled dress with the Gio Diev “Nikko” pumps we’ve spotted on many other celebrities.

Carly Rae Jepsen wears Gio Diev “Nikko” PVC platform pumps, with visible moisture caused by heat buildup in the non-breathable material during extended red-carpet wear

Chloë Grace Moretz Balances Youth and Structure in Fendi Beaded Sandals

Sixteen-year-old Chloë Grace Moretz appeared on the blue carpet to introduce Ed Sheeran, wearing an age-appropriate dress from Fendi’s Spring 2013 collection that balanced youthful energy with a polished, modern edge.

The look drew its impact from bold color-blocked geometric paneling, a signature of the collection. She finished the outfit with a wide belt intended to define the waist, though it ultimately read as more decorative than structural.

Chloë Grace Moretz sports a youthful and edgy color-blocked Fendi dress, complete with a wide belt for a modern twist, at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Chloë Grace Moretz exudes sophistication in Fendi, from her chic outfit to her striking black-and-white beaded sandals at the Billboard Music Awards (Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough / Apega / WENN / Judy Eddy / Visual)

Chloë Grace Moretz’s head-to-toe Fendi ensemble ended with black-and-white beaded, pyramid-studded sandals.

Chloë Grace Moretz shows off a neat dark pedicure in black Fendi sandals, the beaded strap and ankle buckle adding graphic contrast against the blue carpet

Nicki Minaj Adds a Twist With Red Heel-Less Slingbacks

Nicki Minaj, who won three awards—Top Rap Artist, Top Streaming Artist, and Top Rap Album—out of seven nominations, surprised on the blue carpet in a striking red Roberto Cavalli gown that marked a noticeable shift in tone.

While the silhouette emphasized her signature curves, the overall styling read as more streamlined and restrained than many of her earlier red-carpet looks, offering a fresher, more refined take on her established aesthetic.

Nicki Minaj stuns in a bold, flowing red gown with intricate detailing, exuding timeless elegance at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Nicki Minaj surprises with a playful twist, sporting red heel-less slingbacks, adding a unique flair to her ensemble at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards (Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough / Apega / WENN / Judy Eddy / Visual)

And we thought Nicki Minaj was going all normal on us. We sighed in relief when we saw the red heel-less slingbacks on her feet.

Nicki Minaj peeks out from beneath her flowing red gown in towering red wedge heels, their exaggerated platform silhouette amplifying the drama of the look on the blue carpet

Jennifer Lopez Delivers Peak Glamour in Louboutin “Bis Un Bout” Pumps

Wherever she goes, Jennifer Lopez always tends to show off her curves. At the music awards, J.Lo oozed sex appeal on the blue carpet and stage.

Jennifer Lopez stuns in a Zuhair Murad gown featuring gold sequins and sheer detailing, highlighting her curves at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

She arrived in a cleavage-baring Zuhair Murad gown that looked like a winner’s outfit—Taylor Swift should’ve worn this instead. The gown featured gold sequins and a sheer bottom (with a falling feather design) that showcased the performer’s legs.

Jennifer Lopez dazzled with her sleek, center-parted hair and glowing makeup, perfectly complementing her plunging, gold-sequined Zuhair Murad gown

Jennifer Lopez glows in a golden Zuhair Murad dress paired with matching Christian Louboutin ‘Bis Un Bout’ pumps at the Billboard Music Awards (Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough / Apega / WENN / Judy Eddy / Visual)

Jennifer Lopez, always the bronzed babe, flashed her signature fierce face in a gold leafy Zuhair Murad dress and gold Christian Louboutin “Bis Un Bout” pumps.

Jennifer Lopez lets her gold Christian Louboutin “Bis Un Bout” pumps glint beneath a sheer, embellished skirt, their metallic toe caps and towering platforms reinforcing the look’s high-glamour impact on the blue carpet

Avril Lavigne Updates Her Punk Signature with Laurence Dacade Open-Toe Boots

Avril Lavigne updates her signature skater style with trendy Laurence Dacade ‘Dolene’ knee-high gladiator sandals at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards (Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough / Apega / WENN / Judy Eddy / Visual)

Avril Lavigne’s long-standing punk-influenced aesthetic has remained a defining part of her public image.

Still, at the Billboard Music Awards, her knee-high gladiator sandals introduced a more contemporary note—demonstrating how a single footwear choice could update a familiar style.

Avril Lavigne reinforces her punk edge in black buckled open-toe boots, the stacked heel and cutout straps giving her signature rock look a sharper red-carpet finish

Jennifer Morrison Experiments With Exposure in a Kristian Aadnevik Gown

Jennifer Morrison, then starring in Once Upon a Time, appeared as one of the evening’s presenters and delivered one of the night’s more unexpected fashion moments in a gown from Norwegian designer Kristian Aadnevik’s Fall 2013 collection.

The look drew from lingerie-inspired construction, featuring a corset-style bodice, intricate embroidery through the midsection, and a floor-length sheer skirt that revealed high-waisted underpinnings beneath. The result was a bold, boundary-pushing silhouette that stood apart from the night’s more traditional red-carpet choices.

Jennifer Morrison turns heads in a revealing Kristian Aadnevik gown that combines lingerie-inspired corset styling with a sheer skirt at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Emmy Rossum Keeps It Classic in a Zuhair Murad Mermaid Silhouette

Emmy Rossum and Jason Derulo presented Taylor Swift with the Top Billboard 200 Album award, with Rossum appearing in an elegant black gown that leaned into classic red-carpet refinement.

Emmy Rossum elegantly displays a keyhole-detailed Zuhair Murad mermaid dress with chic see-through panels and polka-dot prints at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Unlike other celebrities who graced the blue carpet in revealing outfits, Emmy managed to work a high-glamour look.

Her keyhole-detailed mermaid dress showcased trendy see-through panels and polka-dot prints, adding a modern touch. The sheer sections elegantly revealed glimpses of skin, enhancing her sophisticated look.

Emmy Rossum’s elegant updo complements her chic black velvet mermaid-style dress, featuring sheer polka-dot paneling and a subtle keyhole neckline for a sophisticated yet playful look

Kelly Rowland Shines in a Sequined Rami Al Ali Couture Gown

From a distance, Kelly Rowland’s wraparound gown read as a sculptural, high-shine silhouette. Up close, the design revealed itself through densely packed silver paillettes and a thigh-high slit that added movement and dimension to the look.

The gown’s surface was striking enough to stand on its own, allowing her to forgo additional jewelry. She later took the stage alongside Austin Mahone to present the Dance Artist of the Year award to Madonna.

Kelly Rowland presents in a sparkling Rami Al Ali couture gown with a thigh-high slit, adding elegance without extra jewelry at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Hayden Panettiere Opts for Understated Elegance in Halston Heritage

Hayden Panettiere appeared on stage to introduce Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, wearing a black halter gown from Halston Heritage that balanced simplicity with elegance.

The design featured a tiered bodice and a clean, straight skirt—an intentionally restrained silhouette that was elevated by a backless cut, lending the look a quietly sophisticated edge.

Hayden Panettiere showcases a sophisticated backless Halston Heritage gown, blending simplicity with elegance at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Céline Dion Embraces Polished Metallics in Atelier Versace

Céline Dion leaned into the metallic trend at the awards, presenting the Artist of the Year honor to Taylor Swift in a knee-length Atelier Versace dress.

More restrained than many of the evening’s looks, the piece stood out through sharp tailoring and reflective texture—proof that simplicity, when executed precisely, can still command attention on the red carpet.

Céline Dion radiates understated glamour in a sculptural gold Atelier Versace dress, letting sharp tailoring and metallic sheen deliver a refined standout moment at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

From 2013 to Today: Billboard Awards Shoe Moments That Defined the Next Era

The 2013 Billboard Music Awards captured a moment when red-carpet fashion leaned bold, experimental, and unapologetically expressive.

In the years that followed, Billboard ceremonies continued to evolve—reflecting shifts in celebrity styling, footwear innovation, and how stars use shoes to anchor statement looks. Below, we revisit more recent Billboard Awards moments where footwear once again played a defining role, proving the conversation didn’t end in 2013—it simply moved forward.