Taylor Swift wins big at American Music Awards

Lady Gaga performs at the 2009 American Music Awards in Los Angeles, November 22, 2009. (CFP Photo)

Country crossover sensation Taylor Swift swept the 2009 American Music Awards on Sunday, winning five prizes including the top honor 'Artist of the Year'.

The late king of pop Michael Jackson followed Taylor Swift with four posthumous awards in the Pop/Rock and Soul/R&B categories for his 2003 greatest hits collection "Number Ones", bringing his AMA career total to 25.

Absent Taylor Swift, who's in London rehearsing for a Wembley Arena show, accepted her Artist of the Year award via satellite, "Music has never been, ultimately, about competition," Swift said, "to even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson -- who we'll miss and love forever -- is an unimaginable honor."

Jermaine Jackson, sporting a sequined-glove, accepted the awards on his brother's behalf, "we love you, Michael... It's not just about the winnings, the awards, it's mainly the message. The message that Michael will live on forever...and he saw good in everyone and he wanted them to do good. To start with love and let's love each other."

Hip-hop acts Jay-Z and the Black Eyed Peas also snatched multiple awards, winning two each.

The Black Eyed Peas won Favorite Group in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories, while Jay-Z nabbed Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Album in the rap/hip-hop categories.

Rapper Eminem, nominated for four honors, went home empty-handed. Lady Gaga, rock band Kings of Leon and jailed rapper T.I., who earned three nominations each, were also snubbed.

In the country category, Keith Urban was named favorite male artist, and Rascal Flatts received their fourth consecutive award as favorite band, duo or group.

The show, held in Nokia Theater of Los Angeles, was marked by a couple of outrageous performances as Adam Lambert kissed a male keyboardist and glam-pop singer Lady Gaga, dressed in a flesh-colored bodysuit, played a burning piano while singing.

AMA nominees are determined by radio airplay and retail sales, while the final winners are determined through online voting.

Source: CRI online
【1】 【2】 【3】 【4】 【5】 【6】 【7】