Swift wins big at AMAs

STAFF REPORT

After sweeping the Country Music Association Awards earlier this month, Taylor Swift won five American Music Awards, including Favorite Artist of the Year.

Swift paid homage to the night's other big winner, Michael Jackson, in her acceptance speech via satellite from London.

"To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson ... is an unimaginable honor," said Swift, who also won Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist, Favorite Adult-Contemporary Artist, Favorite Country Album for Fearless and Favorite Country Female Artist. "I'm sending my love to the Jackson family."

Jackson won Favorite Soul/R&B Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Vocalist, Favorite Pop/Rock Album and Favorite Soul/R&B Album, giving him a record 23 AMAs over his career.

"It's not just about the winnings, the awards," his brother Jermaine said in an acceptance speech. "It's mainly the message. The message Michael had will live on forever. He saw good in everyone ... Start with love and let's love each other."

Janet Jackson received a standing ovation when she opened the show with a medley of her hits.

And former 'American Idol' runner-up Adam Lambert caused quite a stir, which you can read about on our E-News Blog.

Other winners included:

• Keith Urban for favorite country male artist

• Taylor Swift for favorite country female artist

• Taylor Swift for favorite adult contemporary artist

• Jay-Z for favorite rap/hip-hop male artist

• Rascal Flatts for favorite country band

• Black Eyed Peas for favorite soul/R&B band

• Green Day for favorite alternative rock band

• Taylor Swift for favorite pop or rock female

• Michael Jackson's "Number Ones" for favorite pop/rock album

• Taylor Swift's "Fearless" for favorite county album

• Jay-Z's "Blueprint 3" for favorite rap/hip-hop album

• "Twilight" for favorite soundtrack album

• Aventura for favorite Latin artist

• Mary Mary for favorite contemporary inspirational artist