Justin Bieber sweeps American Music Awards

Canadian teen idol Justin Bieber swept the American Music Awards on Sunday, overshadowing Eminem to take home four prizes, including artist of the year.

The fresh-faced pop singer also won statuettes 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 said as he accepted the breakthrough artist award. "I never thought this was possible."

He later thanked Michael Jackson when he picked up the pop artist prize, saying, "Without Michael Jackson, none of us would be here."

Bieber, who was raised in Stratford, Ontario, but now lives in the United States, is perhaps the hottest commodity in the music world. He is the object of intense passion from millions of young girls who burn up Twitter with their messages of devotion.

His album "My World 2.0" has sold almost 2 million copies in the United States since its release earlier this year.

Eminem and country trio Lady Antebellum led the contenders with five nominations each. The rapper ended up with two awards in the rap/hip hop category, favorite male artist and album. Traditionally averse to award shows, the Detroit native did not attend the event at the Nokia Theater. Lady Antebellum won a single prize, for best country group.

Other winners at the 38th annual ceremony included British rock band Muse; country stars Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley; R&B singers Rihanna and Usher; and Colombian pop siren Shakira.

Winners:

-Favorite Soul R&B Album: Usher, Raymond vs. Raymond

-Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Group or Duo: The Black Eyed Peas

-Favorite Country Female Artist: Taylor Swift

-Favorite Latin Music Artist: Shakira

-Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist: Rihanna

-Favorite Country Male Artist: Brad Paisley

-T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist: Justin Bieber

-Favorite Pop/Rock Male: Justin Bieber

-Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Male: Eminem

-Favorite Pop/Rock Album: Justin Bieber, My World 2.0

-Favorite Country Album: Carrie Underwood, Play On

-Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group: Lady Antebellum

-Favorite Alternative Rock Artist: Muse

-Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist: Michael Buble

-Favourite Soul/R&B Male: Usher

-Favourite Artist of the Year: Justin Bieber