Taylor Swift 'Artist Of the Year' At The AMAs

Lady Gaga arrives via horseback, sort of.. (ABC/Richard Harvaugh photo)

All genres of music were in one room last night at the American Music Awards. The live ABC-TV broadcast from the Nokia Theater in L.A. contained a slew of performances, legendary duets and a tribute to the late Celia Cruz.

Taylor Swift made the most trips to the podium last night, taking home four awards including Artist of the Year and Favorite Country Album for her record, Red. Justin Timberlake didn't trail very far behind receiving three nods, including Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Album.

Other winners for the night were Macklemore & Ryan Lewis -- who were not present due to a show in Miami, newcomer Ariana Grande, One Direction and Rihanna -- who took home the first-ever Icon Award.



Katy Perry opened the show on a high note with an Asian-influenced performance of her new record, "Unconditionally." The singer perfectly displayed her vocal range while accompanied by dancers twirling colorful parasols and wearing kimono robes.

Shortly after, Pitbull made his award show host debut with a small tribute to the evolution of booty shaking dances. With help from four dancers, the rapper/host refreshed the audience's memory of the Tootsie Roll, the Doo-Doo Brown and the Hydrolics dance.

The night's performances included One Direction, Ariana Grande, Imagine Dragon, and Luke Bryan, to name a few. Pitbull went into performer mode and hit the stage to perform his record with Ke$ha. Justin Timberlake familiarized the audience with his other area of expertise, playing the guitar. JT strummed on his guitar as he performed a record from the second installation of The 20/20 Experience. TLC -- who teased fans that they were performing, but with a special guest, brought out Lil' Mama to perform, "Waterfalls."

Jennifer Lopez put on her frilled mini-skit and her dancing shoes for a tribute to the late Celia Cruz. Let's not forget that Lady Gaga and R.Kelly put their acting faces on to add an extra theatrical oomph to their duet.

Artist of the Year (highlighted contains embedded audio)
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Justin Timberlake
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Rihanna
Bruno Mars

Single of the Year
WINNER: Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly - "Cruise"
Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell & T.I. - "Blurred Lines"
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz - "Thrift Shop"

Icon Award
WINNER: Rihanna

New Artist of the Year
WINNER: Ariana Grande
Florida Georgia Line
Imagine Dragons
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Phillip Phillips

Favorite Male Artist -- Pop/Rock
WINNER: Justin Timberlake
Bruno Mars
Robin Thicke

Favorite Band, Duo or Group -- Pop/Rock
WINNER: One Direction
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Imagine Dragons

Favorite Album -- Pop/Rock
WINNER: One Direction - Take Me Home
Taylor Swift - Red
Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience

Favorite Male Artist -- Country
WINNER: Luke Bryan
Hunter Hayes
Blake Shelton

ABC/Richard Harbaugh photo

Favorite Female Artist -- Country
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood

Favorite Album -- Country
WINNER: Taylor Swift -- Red
Luke Bryan - Crash My Party
Florida Georgia Line - Here's to the Good Times

Favorite Album -- Rap/Hip-Hop
WINNER: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist
Jay Z - Magna Carta... Holy Grail
Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d. city

Favorite Male Artist -- Soul/R&B
WINNER: Justin Timberlake
Miguel
Robin Thicke

Favorite Female Artist -- Soul/R&B
WINNER: Rihanna
Ciara
Alicia Keys

ABC/Richard Harbaugh photo

Favorite Album -- Soul/R&B
WINNER: Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
Rihanna - Unapologetic
Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines

Favorite Artist -- Alternative Rock
WINNER: Imagine Dragons
The Lumineers
Mumford & Sons

Favorite Artist -- Latin Music
WINNER: Marc Anthony
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos

Favorite Artist -- Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
WINNER: Avicii
Daft Punk
Zedd
Calvin Harris