American Music Awards 2012: Winners List
Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift swept the 2012 American Music Awards on Sunday.
Winning Favorite Artist of the Year, Bieber beat out Rihanna, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, and Drake for the coveted prize. The 18-year-old also earned Favorite Pop/Rock Artist.
"I wanted to thank you for always believing in me," Bieber said during his acceptance speech, looking toward his mother, Pattie Mallette. "She's little, but she's beautiful," the "Boyfriend" singer added of Mallette.
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Alternately, Minaj won Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Album as well as Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist.
Both Bieber and Minaj took the stage and delivered performances during the night.
Although Rihanna was unable to attend the awards show, the singer's album "Talk That Talk" was named Favorite Soul/R&B Album.
Country music darling Taylor Swift picked up her fifth consecutive award for Favorite Country Female Artist. The singer also performed her hit song "I Knew You Were Trouble" onstage.
Beating out One Direction, J. Cole, Gotye, and Fun., "Call Me Maybe" singer Carly Rae Jepsen was named Best New Artist of the year.
This year saw David Guetta win the first-ever award for Favorite Electronic Dance Music.
Non-televised awards were given to Katy Perry for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist, Beyonce for Favorite Soul/R&B Artist, Adele for Favorite Adult Contemporary artist, and Shakira for Favorite Latin Artist.
The annual awards ceremony recognizes recording artists based on a poll of the public as well as music buyers. Additionally, last night saw several performances by many of today's biggest artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Christina Aguilera, among others.
Usher kicked off the 3-hour awards show, and performed a combination of songs including "Numb," "Climax," and "Can't Stop, Won't Stop."
One of the night's most memorable performances was a collaboration between Korean rapper PSY and MC Hammer on the viral hit "Gangnam Style."
