Chris Brown was the big winner, but it was Kanye West's night at the American Music Awards.
Instead of his typical tantrum - a trend West started four years ago when he lost the favourite new artist prize - the rapper claimed two trophies on Sunday and called on his colleagues to up their game.
"It's our responsibility as musicians to keep pushing each other," West said.
"We will be the new Beatles, the new (Jimi) Hendrix. I want to be Elvis."
West was named favourite male rap/hip-hop artist and his CD, Graduation, won favourite rap/hip-hop album.
Brown took the night's top honours - artist of the year - as well as favourite male artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories.
"I was shocked," the 19-year-old crooner said backstage.
"I'm so thankful and grateful. I thought Coldplay should have won the award, but I'll take it."
Brown's gal pal, Rihanna - who wore chains and a leather corset to perform her love ballad, Rehab - was named favourite female artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories.
Alicia Keys was another double winner: Her CD, As I Am, was both pop/rock and soul/R&B album winner.
The American Music Awards traditionally centres on its performances, and Sunday was no exception.
The show featured high-energy sets from Miley Cyrus, Ne-Yo and Beyonce, though a pair of lacklustre medleys opened the program at the Nokia Theatre.
Christina Aguilera channelled Madonna and the New Kids on the Block channelled an earlier version of themselves as each sang their latest singles and greatest hits.
Pink's new track, Sober, was awkwardly introduced by slurring rocker Scott Weiland, formerly of the Stone Temple Pilots.
Also performing were The Jonas Brothers, the Pussycat Dolls, Coldplay and Annie Lennox, who won the Award of Merit.
"I never thought I would live to see the day that I could be 53 years old standing on a stage," Lennox said as she accepted the trophy from Justin Timberlake.
"It's been an incredible journey. Music: my friend, my accompaniment through life."
Other winners included Brad Paisley for favourite country artist, Taylor Swift for favourite female country act, and Rascal Flatts for favourite country band, duo or group.
Fans chose the night's winners through online votes.
The winners:
Pop/Rock
Favorite Male Artist - Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist - Rihanna
Favorite Band, Duo or Group - Daughtry
Favorite Album - Alicia Keys, 'As I Am'
Country
Favorite Male Artist - Brad Paisley
Favorite Female Artist - Taylor Swift
Favorite Band, Duo or Group - Rascal Flatts
Favorite Album - Carrie Underwood, 'Carnival Ride'
Soul/Rhythm and Blues
Favorite Male Artist - Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist - Rihanna
Favorite Album - Alicia Keys, 'As I Am'
Rap/Hip Hop
Favorite Band, Duo or Group - Three 6 Mafia
Favorite Male Artist - Kanye West
Favorite Album - Kanye West, 'Graduation'
Adult Contemporary
Favorite Artist - Jordin Sparks
Latin Music
Favorite Artist - Enrique Iglesias
Alternative Rock Music
Favorite Artist - Linkin Park
Contemporary Inspirational
Favorite Artist - Third Day
Soundtracks
Favorite Album - 'Alvin and the Chipmunks'
T - Mobile Favourite Breakthrough Artist
Jonas Brothers
