MJ rules American Music Awards

American Music Awards featured memorable performances by artistes like Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Black Eyed Peas. Michael Jackson and teen artist Taylor Swift were the big winners at the star-studded awards' ceremony. (Photo: AFP)

'King of Pop' bagged four awards at the award ceremony last night but stopped short of beating Swift, who turned out to be the top winner by collecting five trophies, including Artist of the Year at the 37th American Music Awards. The late singer won in the Favorite Male Artist Soul/R&B and Favorite Male Artist Pop/Rock categories among his four wins, reports said. Jackson's awards were accepted by brother Jermaine, who said that his brother's message was just as important as his music. (Photo: AFP)

"The message that Michael had will live on forever. He saw good in everyone and he wanted everyone to do good. He always started with love," said Jermaine. (Photo: AFP)

However, the main highlight of the evening was a series of jaw-dropping performances from some of the biggest names in the business. (Photo: AFP)

During the three-hour live show at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Eminem, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, Shakira, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, Green Day and Adam Lambert all took the stage. (Photo: AFP)

True to her reputation, Lady Gaga delivered an eye-popping performance on her new single Bad Romance. She matched a flesh-colored bodysuit with flashing white accessories that mimicked a rib cage. She then picked up her mic stand and smashed open a glass enclosure housing a piano. She climbed up, sat down and played Speechless while flames enveloped the wooden instrument. (Photo: AFP)

Whitney Houston was honored with the International Artist of the Year award, joining only six other winners such as Michael Jackson in the history of the AMAs. She also performed on I Didn't Know My Own Strength. (Photo: AFP)

American Idol star Adam Lambert closed the show with a provocative version of his single, For Your Entertainment. (Photo: AFP)

The awards were presented by Kristen Bell, Alex Rodriguez, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Kris Allen, Ne-Yo, Perez Hilton, Drake, Kid Cudi, Samuel L Jackson, Leona Lewis, Seth Greene and Ryan Seacrest. (Photo: AFP)

The Awards honor the year's top-selling artists in eight popular genres. Singer Jennifer Lopez performed onstage at the 2009 American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: AFP)

Musician Keith Urban and actress Nicole Kidman arrive at the 2009 American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: AFP)

Singers Fergie (L) and will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas perform onstage at the 2009 American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: AFP)

Singer Leona Lewis arrives for the 2009 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles, California on November 22, 2009. (Photo: AFP)

Shakira poses at the 2009 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California on November 22, 2009. (Photo: AFP)