Last night (18th November), some of music’s biggest stars made their way to LA to perform at the 2012 American Music Awards, which was celebrating its 40th birthday.

The night was dominated by the likes of Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. JB won several awards, including ‘Artist of the Year’, whilst Nicki, who was tied with Rihanna for the most nominations (four), ended the night victorious in the rap/hip hop album category and best rap/hip hop artist category. RiRi herself was busy on tour and was unable to attend- that’s her excuse anyway.

The real highlights of the night came from the performers and from the spectacular sets, dancers and backing singers that accompanied them. Usher (who’s covering just about every major live event at the moment) opened the night with his “Looking for Myself” medley, ending in inevitable “Climax“, before Nicki Minaj (who performed twice) dressed up and walked in a sort of pop-star Narnia for a stunning rendition of her new single “Freedom“. She was quickly upstaged by Swizz Beats, Ludacris and Chris Brown, who came together to say happy birthday to the AMAs with an energetic performance of “Everyday Birthday” , but ultimately the night belonged to Korean Youtube sensation PSY. Joined by special guest MC Hammer, the viral king closed out the show in “Gangnam Style“, delivering his world famous routine to rapturous applause.

Watch some footage from what was probably the most bizarre awards ceremony of 2012 below:

Usher- “Looking for Myself” Medley

http://youtu.be/BF_eNOnYPlA

Nicki Minaj – “Freedom”

http://youtu.be/eEBPFCVj_EQ

Swizz Beatz, Chris Brown & Ludacris – “Everyday Birthday”

http://youtu.be/l2ZTdoVvi7A

PSY x MC Hammer – “Gangnam Style”

http://youtu.be/WOyo7JD7hjo

Ke$ha – “Die Young”

http://youtu.be/H5CpV9oY45s

P!nk – “Try”

http://youtu.be/LjtDLPqUMC8

Christina Aguilera – Lotus/Army Of Me/ Let there be love

http://youtu.be/QwCQCbSfihs

No Doubt – “Looking Hot”
http://youtu.be/NYmn7QG2sFw

Justin Bieber x Nicki Minaj

http://youtu.be/Wu9-U2FY5aM

2012 American Music Awards Winners List

Artist of the Year

Justin Bieber – WINNER

Old Navy New Artist of the Year

Carly Rae Jepsen – WINNER

Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist

Justin Bieber – WINNER

Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist

Katy Perry – WINNER

Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group

Maroon 5 – WINNER

Favorite Pop/Rock Album

Believe – Justin Bieber – WINNER

Favorite Country Male Artist
Luke Bryan – WINNER

Favorite Country Female Artist

Taylor Swift – WINNER

Favorite Country Band/Duo/Group
Lady Antebellum – WINNER

Favorite Country Album

Blown Away – Carrie Underwood – WINNER

Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist

Nicki Minaj – WINNER

Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – Nicki Minaj – WINNER

Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist

Usher – WINNER

Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist

Beyoncé – WINNER

Favorite Soul/R&B Album

Talk That Talk – Rihanna – WINNER

Favorite Alternative Artist

Linkin Park – WINNER

Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist

Adele – WINNER

Favorite Latin Artist

Shakira – WINNER

Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist

tobyMac – WINNER

Favorite Electronic Dance Music

David Guetta – WINNER