Taylor Swift Named Artist of the Year at American Music Awards 2011

Country music singing sensation Taylor Swift won the big prize at the 2011 American Music Awards held on Sunday night at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. She was named Artist of the Year at the AMA.

  • Country music singing sensation Taylor Swift won the big prize at the 2011 American Music Awards held on Sunday night at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. She was named Artist of the Year at the AMA. <br><br> Earlier Taylor Swift also won the Favorite Country Female Artist and Favorite Country Album.
    Country music singing sensation Taylor Swift won the big prize at the 2011 American Music Awards held on Sunday night at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. She was named Artist of the Year at the AMA.

    Earlier Taylor Swift also won the Favorite Country Female Artist and Favorite Country Album.
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  • "Standing backstage. So excited to have just won an AMA! I love you guys!AND it absolutely blew me away when Nicki thanked me in her speech!" Ms Swift tweeted earlier.
    "Standing backstage. So excited to have just won an AMA! I love you guys!AND it absolutely blew me away when Nicki thanked me in her speech!" Ms Swift tweeted earlier.
  • Hip-hop and R&B singer Nicki Minaj picked up two awards for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album for "Pink Friday". She also opened the show.
    Hip-hop and R&B singer Nicki Minaj picked up two awards for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album for "Pink Friday". She also opened the show.
  • Nicki Minaj is seen in her over-the-top style in curly pink bob and a voluminous green gown.
    Nicki Minaj is seen in her over-the-top style in curly pink bob and a voluminous green gown.
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  • Other winners included Rihanna and Beyonce (both were not present in person to accept their awards) plus Lady Antebellum, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars and Hot Chelle Rae, who was named Sprint New Artist of the Year.
    Other winners included Rihanna and Beyonce (both were not present in person to accept their awards) plus Lady Antebellum, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars and Hot Chelle Rae, who was named Sprint New Artist of the Year.
  • Singer-songwriter Katy Perry was given a Special Award of Achievement for being the first woman ever to score five number 1 hits from a single album.
    Singer-songwriter Katy Perry was given a Special Award of Achievement for being the first woman ever to score five number 1 hits from a single album.
  • There were 17 live performances in all at this year's AMA.
    There were 17 live performances in all at this year's AMA.
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  • Dressed as a female robot, Nicki Minaj opened the show with "Turn Me On," performing with David Guetta.
    Dressed as a female robot, Nicki Minaj opened the show with "Turn Me On," performing with David Guetta.
  • Justin Bieber performs his Christmas single "Mistletone". The while leather suit and multi-coloured tube lights were a throwback to the 80s.
    Justin Bieber performs his Christmas single "Mistletone". The while leather suit and multi-coloured tube lights were a throwback to the 80s.
  • The Band Perry sang their smash <i>If I Die Young</i> as video screens in the background showed pictures of white roses.
    The Band Perry sang their smash If I Die Young as video screens in the background showed pictures of white roses.
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  • Mary J. Blige performed her new single "Mr. Wrong" and included a tribute to late rapper Heavy D, who recently died at the age of 44.
    Mary J. Blige performed her new single "Mr. Wrong" and included a tribute to late rapper Heavy D, who recently died at the age of 44.
  • Will.i.am debuted his new single <i>T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)</i>, featuring Jennifer Lopez. Fantastic special effects made the singer appear headless during his performance.
    Will.i.am debuted his new single T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever), featuring Jennifer Lopez. Fantastic special effects made the singer appear headless during his performance.
  • Jennifer Lopez sang her ballad "Until It Beats No More."
    Jennifer Lopez sang her ballad "Until It Beats No More."
  • JLo also stripped down to a nearly-nude bodysuit with strategically-placed sequins for "On the Floor," for which she was joined by Pitbull.
    JLo also stripped down to a nearly-nude bodysuit with strategically-placed sequins for "On the Floor," for which she was joined by Pitbull.