Justin Bieber Tops American Music Awards

Justin Bieber has dominated the American Music Awards, winning three gongs including the show's top award, artist of the year.

The 18-year-old's mother joined him on stage as he collected the trophy, having beaten Rihanna, Maroon 5, Katy Perry and Drake.

"I wanted to thank you for always believing in me," Bieber told her.

Bieber, who also won the honour in 2010, admitted it was "hard growing up with everyone watching me" and asked his fans to continue to believe in him.

He won favourite pop/rock male artist and best pop/rock album for Believe, and had a few words for people who did not think he would last on the music scene.

"I want to say this is for all the haters who thought I was just here for one or two years. I feel like I'm going to be here for a very long time," he said.

As Bieber won his second award, he was kissed on the neck by actress and former Playboy glamour model Jenny McCarthy, who presented the honour.

"Wow. I feel violated right now," he said, laughing.

"I did grab his butt," McCarthy said backstage. "I couldn't help it. He was just so delicious. So little. I wanted to tear his head off and eat it."

Nicki Minaj repeated her AMA wins from last year, picking up trophies for favourite rap/hip-hop artist and album for Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.

Bieber and Minaj gave separate and combined performances at the AMAs, but another collaboration was the most colourful of the night.

MC Hammer joined South Korean rapper Psy for his viral hit Gangnam Style and Hammer's Too Legit To Quit.

David Guetta won the show's first-ever electronic dance music award.

Katy Perry took the award for pop/rock female artist, Beyonce for soul/R&B female artist, Adele for adult contemporary artist and Shakira for Latin artist.

American Music Awards nominees were selected based on sales and airplay, and fans chose the winners by voting online.