by Wilfred Okiche

The American Music Awards (AMAs), mostly decided by airplay and record sales, was held last night at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and crossover country singing sensation Taylor Swift emerged the night’s big winner with three trophies including Artist of the Year and Favourite Country Album for her ‘Speak Now’ album, which sold a million copies its first week earlier in the year.

‘’This is one of the craziest things that has ever happened to me. Thank you to the fans, please never change,’’ she gushed.

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened the show with a David Guetta backed performance of ‘Turn me On’ and ‘Super Bass’. She would later pick up two awards for Favourite Hip Hop Artiste and Favourite Rap Album.  Maroon 5 won the first award of the night for Favourite Group and performed their massive number one single ‘Moves like Jagger’ after which lead singer Adam Levine joined Gym Class Heroes on the chorus of their hit ‘Stereo Hearts’.

British songstress Adele, who led the nominations leading up to the night, was not present to pick up her two trophies as she is currently recovering from vocal cord surgery.

Other winners were Beyonce, Usher, Rihanna and Lady Antebellum. Performers who rocked the stage include Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Bieber.

See the complete list of winners:

Favourite Duo or Group – Maroon 5

Favourite Female Country Artist – Taylor Swift

Favourite Male Country Artist – Blake Shelton

Favourite Hip Hop Artist – Nicki Minaj

Favourite Soul/R & B Album – ‘Loud’ by Rihanna

Favourite Country Band – Lady Antebellum

Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Album – ‘Pink Friday’ by Nicki Minaj

Special Award for being the first woman to have five #1 singles from one album – Katy Perry

Favourite New Artist – Hot Chelle Rae

Favourite Latin Artist – Jennifer Lopez

Favourite Soul/R &B Female – Beyonce

Favourite Soul/R &B Male Artiste – Usher

Favourite Pop/Rock Male – Bruno Mars

Favourite Country Album – ‘Speak Now’ by Taylor Swift

Favourite Pop/Rock Album – ‘21’ by Adele

Favourite Pop/Rock Female Artist : Adele

Artist of the Year – Taylor Swift.