The 40th American Music Awards were presented Sunday night, live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Nominees for the AMAs are based on based on sales, airplay, activity on social networks, and video viewing, this year’s top nominees are Rihanna and Nicki Minaj with 4 nods each. The 2012 edition of the awards featured 20 categories and introduces the Electronic Dance Music category. In addition to the awards, the live telecast included performances by Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepsen, The Wanted, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Ke$ha, Justin Bieber featuring Nicki Minaj, P!nk, No Doubt, Christina Aguilera and Usher who opened the ceremony. In addition, Stevie Wonder helped pay tribute to AMA creator Dick Clark who past away earlier this year.
In a nod to modern technology (and sponsor Samsung) the AMAs did away with the traditional envelopes and instead the presenters read the winners from a Samsung Galaxy Note II.
And the American Music Awards went to:
Artist of the Year – Justin Bieber
Old Navy New Artist of the Year – Carly Rae Jepsen
Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist – Justin Bieber
Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist – Katy Perry
Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group – Maroon 5
Favorite Pop/Rock Album – Believe – Justin Bieber
Favorite Country Male Artist – Luke Bryan
Favorite Country Female Artist – Taylor Swift
Favorite Country Band/Duo/Group – Lady Antebellum
Favorite Country Album – Blown Away – Carrie Underwood
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist – Nicki Minaj
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album – Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – Nicki Minaj
Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist – Usher
Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist – Beyoncé
Favorite Soul/R&B Album – Talk That Talk – Rihanna
Favorite Alternative Artist – Linkin Park
Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist – Adele
Favorite Latin Artist – Shakira
Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist – tobyMac
Favorite Electronic Dance Music – David Guetta
Visit AMAs365 for more winner’s information, video and photos