Justin Bieber was the big winner at tonight’s American Music Awards. Not only did he pick up the award for favorite pop/rock male artist and artist of the year beating out stiff competition from Flo Rida, Pitbull, Usher, Rihanna, and Drake. He also took home the nights biggest award, artist of the year. Justin came to the AMA’s this year with his mother Pattie Mallette, after his widely reported split from former Disney star and girlfriend Selena Gomez.
“This is for all the haters who thought that maybe I was just here for one or two years, but I feel like I am going to be here for a very long time,” Bieber said on stage, dedicating his win to his mother.
Biber came ready to give a show tonight. While performing his hit song “As Long As You Love Me,” Biebs did Big Sean’s part. He turned up more later when he brought out Nicki Minja to perform her part from his latest hit “Beauty and A Beat.” He showed why he won best artist this year.
Bieber’s mentor Usher kicked off the night with an electric performance on a laser-filled stage, followed up by Carly Rae Jepsen singing hits including “Call Me Maybe,” while boy band The Wanted, who are up for favorite pop/rock group, donned suits to sing their latest, “I Found You.”
Taylor Swift had a good night too. She picked up the favorite female country artist award over Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. She thanked her fans in her acceptance speech, saying, “I’m really, really happy right now and that’s all because of you.”
Nicki Minaj grabbed the award for favorite rap/hip hop album of the year, with “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,” over nominees Drake and newcomer rapper J. Cole.
The American Music Award nominees and winners are voted for by fans online, and the awards are handed out during a live three-hour broadcast featuring performances by artists.
The awards show, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, treated the audience to some of its greatest moments, including R&B star Beyonce performing “Single Ladies” at the 2008 show and a clip of Michael and Janet Jackson as children accepting an award in 1975.
R&B star Rihanna, 24, and rapper Nicki Minaj, 29, went into Sunday’s show leading with four nods each, battling each other in the favorite pop/rock female artist category.
Rihanna wasn’t expected to be at the awards show on Sunday, as she is in Berlin, midway through a seven-day tour across seven cities around the world promoting her upcoming “Unapologetic” album.
The race for new artist of the year was tight as well. Newcomers One Direction, Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen, indie-pop band fun. and rapper J. Cole all competed, with Carly Rae coming away with the W.
The show ended the night with a performance from Psy performing “Gangham Style.” He stole the show when he brought out Hammer to bust a move with him! 
Overall, the show was decent. Performances from Pink and Justin Bieber held up to their standards, while Christina Aguilera fell way short of hers. Stevie Wonder’s Dick Clark tribute was the highlight of the night by far. It was a good birthday for the AMA’s.
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