Paris Snubs Billboard Awards

Last week, the perspective for Monday's big event, the Billboard Music Awards, was more than bright. The organizers of the ceremony, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, confirmed to the press that the co-host of the evening would be the hottest couple of the moment, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.

Even more, they even released details about the upcoming event, saying that neither of the two girls would sing, but promising the audience (both present at the venue and in front of their television sets) a night to remember. Less than a day later, Brit pulled out from presenting. There was no explanation offered and the organizers made another announcement, saying that a replacement would be found for her or, if not, that Paris would be hosting the awards alone.

With less than a couple of days to go until the big gala, Paris also backed out. According to her publicist, Elliot Mintz, it was not something personal or that might have stemmed from Britney's pulling out. 'It is my understanding that some satirical references ridiculed some of her peers. Paris did not want to say anything that could appear hurtful or embarrassing about people she knows.', Mitz said.

Apparently, the heiress was shown the script for the ceremony and found that some of the lines she was to say while on stage were somewhat ridiculing some of her closest friends. She insisted with the organizers to have them changed but they wouldn't budge so she just quit.

As of now, the identity of the person who will do all the honors is yet unknown. Other changes include Stevie Wonder stepping in for Celine Dion to present Tony Bennett with the Century Award. The Canadian diva canceled her appearance after she was diagnosed with a severe infection and the doctors ordered her to stay at home in bed.

The Billboard Music Awards airs live on Fox on Monday night.