The 2012 American Music Awards

Justin Bieber was the night’s biggest winner, taking home 3 trophies including favorite artist of the year, beating out Rihanna, Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Drake for the top prize at the American Music Awards Sunday.

Rapper Nicki Minaj  repeated her wins from last year, taking home awards for favorite rap/hip hop album (for “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded”) and favorite rap/hip hop artist. She and Rihanna went into the ceremony with the most nominations – four each. Rihanna, who was on tour and did not attend, won an award for favorite soul/R&B album (for “Talk That Talk”).

Taylor Swift won her fifth consecutive award for favorite country female artist. “This is unreal. I want to thank the fans. You guys are the ones who voted on this,” she said.

Canadian pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen, 26, picked up the coveted new artist-of-the-year award over One Direction, Australian artist Gotye, indie-pop band fun. and rapper J. Cole.

Other awards went to Linkin Park for best alt rock artist, Luke Bryan for best male country artist and Usher for best male soul/R&B artist.

Sunday’s show from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles marks the AMA’s 40th anniversary. American Music Awards nominees were selected based on sales and airplay, and fans chose the winners by voting online.