Bieber named favorite artist

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES

Justin Bieber’s first American Music Awards was perfection.

The 16-year-old teen heartthrob went four-for-four Sunday night, capturing every award he was nominated for, including the top award of the night, favorite artist. He beat a list that featured veterans Eminem and Usher as well as Katy Perry and Lady Gaga.

Bieber became the youngest person to win the trophy. Bieber also won favorite pop/rock album, favorite pop/rock male, and the show’s breakthrough artist award.

“I can’t stop smiling; this is amazing,” Bieber said after he also beat Eminem and Usher for favorite pop/rock male. “Truly I don’t know how this is possible because I’ve been singing Eminem since I was 3, and Usher is my mentor. So this is big.”

Eminem, along with Lady Antebellum, had been the leading nominee with five awards. He didn’t come up empty-handed though, winning two, along with Usher, who also nabbed a pair. Lady Antebellum took home one.

Other winners included Black Eyed Peas and Taylor Swift, but Sunday’s ceremony at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles was as much a showcase for acts with new albums as it was a celebration of the biggest achievers of 2010.

Rihanna, with her hair dyed a ruby red, gave the show a colorful and sexy start, performing a medley of songs from her just released album “Loud,” including the No. 1 hit “What’s My Name,” wearing a bustier and what seemed like a scarf wrapped around her backside.