Chris Brown crowned Artist of the Year

Chris Brown was crowned Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards last night (23.11.08).

The 19-year-old singer was also named Favorite Male Artist in both the Pop/Rock and Soul/R'n'B categories, and admitted he was amazed to have won the prestigious accolades.

As he collected his Artist of the Year prize, Chris said: "I was shocked. I'm so thankful and grateful. I thought Coldplay should have won the award, but I'll take it."

Chris' girlfriend Rihanna also received two awards - Favorite Soul/R'n'B Female Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist.

Rihanna gave a raunchy performance of her ballad 'Rehab' at the event - which was held at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre - wearing chains and a leather corset.

Kanye West was thrilled to win the Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Album for 'Graduation' and be named Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Male Artist, and took the opportunity to challenge all the other male rappers present to work harder.

He said: "It's our responsibility as musicians to keep pushing each other. We will be the new Beatles, the new Jimi Hendrix. I want to be Elvis."

Annie Lennox was presented with the Award of Merit by Justin Timberlake, and appeared stunned to have won the honour.

She said: "I never thought I would live to see the day that I could be 53 years old standing on a stage. It's been an incredible journey. Music - my friend, my accompaniment through life."

Mariah Carey was given a special award for having the most US number one hits of all time, and went on to give a show-stopping performance of her new single 'Stay In Love'.

Christina Aguilera opened the show with a medley of her greatest hits, while New Kids On The Block also took to the stage to sing a collection of their best known tracks.

Other performances came courtesy of Miley Cyrus, Ne-Yo, Jonas Brothers and Beyonce Knowles.

List of winners at the 36th annual American Music Awards:

Pop/Rock
Favorite Male Artist - Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist - Rihanna
Favorite Band, Duo or Group - Daughtry
Favorite Album - Alicia Keys, 'As I Am'

Country
Favorite Male Artist - Brad Paisley
Favorite Female Artist - Taylor Swift
Favorite Band, Duo or Group - Rascal Flatts
Favorite Album - Carrie Underwood, 'Carnival Ride'
Soul/Rhythm and Blues
Favorite Male Artist - Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist - Rihanna
Favorite Album - Alicia Keys, 'As I Am'

Rap/Hip Hop
Favorite Band, Duo or Group - Three 6 Mafia
Favorite Male Artist - Kanye West
Favorite Album - Kanye West, 'Graduation'

Adult Contemporary
Favorite Artist - Jordin Sparks

Latin Music
Favorite Artist - Enrique Iglesias

Alternative Rock Music
Favorite Artist - Linkin Park

Contemporary Inspirational
Favorite Artist - Third Day

Soundtracks
Favorite Album - 'Alvin and the Chipmunks'

T - Mobile Favourite Breakthrough Artist
Jonas Brothers