The 40th Anniversary of the American Music Awards kicked off with an intense performance by Usher. Ryan Seacrest, shared a tribute to the past 40 years by flashing back to a performance by Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and then later came back on stage for a tribute to Dick Clark performed by Stevie Wonder.

• Justin Bieber was the big winner of the night taking home three on-air awards including the biggest award of the night, Artist of the Year. He also took home Favorite Pop Rock Male Artist and Favorite Pop Rock Album for Believe.
• Nicki Minaj did well for herself by taking home two on-air awards including, Favorite Album Rap/Hip Hop for Pink Friday: Roman Reladed and Favorite Rap/ Hip-Hop Artist.

LIST OF WINNERS

• Favorite Pop Rock Male Artist - Justin Bieber
• Favorite Country Female Artist - Taylor Swift
• Favorite Album Rap/Hip-Hop - Nick Minaj
• Favorite Alternative Rock Music Artist - Linkin Park
• Favorite Soul R&B Male Artist - Usher
• Favorite Country Male Artist - Luke Bryan
• New Artist of the Year - Carly Rae Jepsen
• Favorite Rap Hip-Hop Artist - Nick Minaj
• Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group - Lady Antebellum
• Favorite Artist Eletronic Dance Music - David Guetta
• Favorite Pop Rock Album - Justin Bieber, Believe
• Favorite Country Album - Carrie Underwood, Blown Away
• Artist of the Year - Justin Bieber

PERFORMANCES

Usher opened up the show with a smoky and sexy performance of "Numb." He then slowed it down with "Climax" and mixed in "Can't Stop, Won't Stop." He performed in typical Usher fashion, dancing all around the stage with laser lighting and plenty of accompanying dancers. 

Carly Rae Jepsen proved she's more than a one hit wonder with a performance of her new song, "This Kiss." However, she seemed a little out of breath singing her breakout hit, "Call Me Maybe."

The Wanted kept the upbeat vibe going by quickly taking the stage after Carly and performing "I Found You."

Kelly Clarkson performed a medley of her biggest hits. The original American Idol showed off her pipes and how far she's come by performing in front of three "judges." If you weren't intending on buying her upcoming Greatest Hits album, you are now.

Ke$ha performed her latest song, "Die Young." Her costume was certainly confusing as she started off the song dressed as a cross between Ganesh and Buddha. However, she certainly wasn't shy to show off her slimmer legs and in her usual Ke$ha fashion got everyone to their feet.

No Doubt reminded everyone that they are back by performing "Looking Hot."

Taylor Swift showed that she's no stranger to the American Music Awards stage and performed a Cinderella ball themed version of "I Knew You Were Trouble."

Linkin Park performed, "Burn It Down."

Nick Minaj looked like a little snow bunny as she performed in a winter wonderland. She sang, "Freedom."

Pink is a fit mama. She performed an extremely acrobatic rendition of her song, "Try." It was both moving and intensely ambitious.

Justin Bieber performed an acoustic version of "As Long As You Love Me." Though he didn't sound as depressed as we would figure since he just broke up with his girlfriend, Selena Gomez he still managed to rap the part of Big Sean. He then picked things up by performing "Beauty And A Beat." Nicki Minaj joined Bieber on stage and surprisingly enough, even sang the part referring to Selena.

Christina Aguilera showed off her pipes and softer side by performing a medley of new songs off of her new album, Lotus including, "Army Of Me" and "Let There Be Love."

Then Pitbull took the stage and spiced things up with, "Don't Stop The Party." Pit and Christina finished up the set together.

Carrie Underwood performed, "Two Black Cadillacs."

After a heart felt sentiment about Whitney Houston, Brandy introduced Swiss Beats, Chris Brown and Ludacris and they performed, "Everday Birthday."

Stevie Wonder promoted love in a tribute for Dick Clark by singing, "Master Blaster (Jammin')," "My Cherie Amour" and "Sir Duke"

Psy closed the show with his Internet sensation, "Gangnam Style" and was joined on stage byMcHammer.

From Pulseofradio.com

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