In case you missed it, last night the American Music Awards were on and were opened by Janet Jackson with performances by Rihanna, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Green Day, Alicia Keys with Jay-Z, Eminem & 50 Cent, Whitney Houston, The Black Eyed Peas and Adam Lambert.  Of them all my favourite performance was by the Black Eyed Peas.  My least favourite? Unfortunately Rihanna.

Michael Jackson posthumously won 4 awards:  Favorite Soul/R‘n’B Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Vocalist Favorite Pop/Rock Album and Favorite Soul/R‘n’B Album. Taylor Swift beat out Michael and others in the Artist of the Year award.  She, herself looked shocked (via satellite) when she won and said:

“To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson is an unimaginable honour. I’m sending my love to the Jackson family.”

Tons of stars (obviously) at this event:

• Melody Thornton
• Ne-Yo
• Paula Abdul
• Peter Wentz
• Shakira
• Selena Gomez
• Carrie Underwood
• Demi Lovato
• Nicole Kidman,
• Sofia Vergara
• Leona Lewis
• Kristen Bell
• Dominic Monaghan
• Chris Daughtry
• Julie Bowen
• Keri Hilson

and lots others.

More pictures and a complete list of winners after the break.

Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist: Gloriana
Favorite Soundtrack: Twilight – various artists
Favorite Alternative Rock Artist: Green Day
Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Latin Music Artist: Aventura
Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist: Mary Mary
International Artist Award: Whitney Houston
Pop/Rock Music:
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Black Eyed Peas
Favorite Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Male Artist: Michael Jackson
Favorite Album: Number Ones – Michael Jackson
Country Music:
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Rascal Flatts
Favorite Male Artist: Keith Urban
Favorite Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Album: Fearless – Taylor Swift
Soul/R’n'B Music:
Favorite Male Artist: Michael Jackson
Favorite Female Artist: Beyonce Knowles
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Black Eyed Peas
Favorite Album: Number Ones – Michael Jackson
Rap/Hip-Hop Music:
Favorite Male Artist: Jay-Z
Favorite Album: The Blueprint 3 – Jay-Z

Click on thumbnails to enlarge

Photos:  Adraina M. Barraza/www.wenn.com