LOS ANGELES — Justin Bieber made history at Sunday night’s American Music Awards, becoming the youngest star to win the coveted Artist of the Year trophy.
It was one of four honors for the 16-year-old Canadian teen idol, who also won for Favorite Pop Album, Breakthrough Artist and Favorite Male Pop Artist.
"I’m from the smallest town in the world of, like, 30,000 people," Bieber told the crowd as he accepted the Breakthrough Artist award. "I never thought this was possible."
In picking up his first-ever AMA trophies, Bieber outlasted his protégé Usher, who still managed to win twice for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Album for Raymond v. Raymond.
View gallery: American Music Awards 2010 Red Carpet Photos
Eminem also won twice, earning honors for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album for Recovery.
The 38th annual ceremony, held at Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles, was packed with live performances. Rihanna opened the show with a powerful medley of "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)," "What’s My Name," and "Only Girl in the World." Other highlights included Katy Perry lighting up the stage with "Firework" and Christina Aguilera performing "Express" from her upcoming film Burlesque.
The AMAs closed with a joint performance featuring New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys.
2010 American Music Awards Winners List:
Artist of the Year: Justin Bieber
Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist: Justin Bieber
Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist: Lady Gaga
Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group: The Black Eyed Peas
Favorite Pop/Rock Album: Justin Bieber – My World 2.0
Favorite Country Music Male Artist: Brad Paisley
Favorite Country Music Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Country Music Band, Duo or Group: Lady Antebellum
Favorite Country Music Album: Carrie Underwood – Play On
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist: Eminem
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album: Eminem – Recovery
Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist: Usher
Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist: Rihanna
Favorite Soul/R&B Album: Usher – Raymond v. Raymond
Favorite Soundtrack: Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers
Favorite Alternative Rock Artist: Muse
Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist: MercyMe
Favorite Latin Music Artist: Shakira
Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist: Michael Buble
