39th annual American Music Awards

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39th annual American Music Awards

Taylor Swift and Adele tied with three wins at the American Music Awards, but the event belonged to the country superstar after she beat the soulful crooner, as well as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Lil Wayne, to win artist of the year, the ceremony's highest accolade, which the 21-year-old singer-songwriter previously claimed in 2009.

Lionel Richie (left) and Vanessa Minnillo present the artist of the year award at the 39th Annual American Music Awards, a sprawling three-hour ceremony inside the Nokia Theatre in an unusually rainy Los Angeles was drenched with musical performances.

"This is so crazy," beamed artist of the year winner Taylor Swift, who also picked up the trophies for favorite country female artist and favorite country album for "Speak Now."

Nicki Minaj kicked off the 39th annual fan-favorite ceremony with an over-the-top performance that featured the pink-loving singer sporting a pair of speakers on her much-talked about derriere. She later earned two trophies: favorite rap/hip-hop artist, besting a group that included mentor Lil Wayne, and favorite rap/hip-hop album for "Pink Friday."

Members of the band Hot Chelle Rae - Ian Keaggy (from left), Nash Overstreet, Ryan Follese, and Jamie Follese - accept the Sprint new artist of the year award.

Jenny McCarthy waxed poetic while presenting the award for pop/rock favorite album to Adele.

A glowing-in-the-dark will.i.am performed his new single "Hard."

Presenters Katherine Heigl and husband Josh Kelley call out Taylor Swift's name to country award.

Jennifer Lopez performed what turned out to be a live version of the car commercial starring the "American Idol" judge set to her groove "Papi" - complete with a revolving car onstage - before launching into her dance hit "On the Floor" - complete with a glittery bodysuit.

Marc Anthony (left) and Pitbull brought some Latin flavor to the show, performing "Rain Over Me"

Justin Bieber got into the holiday spirit amid a forest of neon lights with "Under the Mistletoe."

Travis McCoy (right) of Gym Class Heroes and Adam Levine of musical group Maroon 5 perform. Maroon 5 picked up the award for favorite pop-rock band/duo/group.

Katy Perry was the lady in pink, performing on guitar "The One That Got Away."

Christina Aguilera couldn't exactly "Moves Like Jagger" in that dress, but performed the duet with Maroon 5.

A platinum-blonde Chris Brown simply sang "All Back" before being joined by a troop of helmet-clad back-up dancers for a flashy interpretation of "Say It With Me."

Kelly Clarkson channeled the big-band era with a swinging rendition of "Mr. Know It All."

Lady Antebellum picked up the award for favorite country band/duo/group.

For the show's finale, Redfoo and SkyBlu of the music group LMFAO turned their performance into a raucous party scene that included the likes of ...

... David Hasselhoff ...

... Record producer Berry Gordy ...

... And Justin Bieber in a sexy shirt.

1/20

Lionel Richie (left) and Vanessa Minnillo present the artist of the year award at the 39th Annual American Music Awards, a sprawling three-hour ceremony inside the Nokia Theatre in an unusually rainy Los Angeles was drenched with musical performances.

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