Taylor Swift ruled the roost at the American Music Awards on Sunday 20 November, 2011, scooping three gongs including the evening's biggest prize, Artist of the Year. In a particularly strong category, the singer songwriter beat favorite Adele, rapper Lil Wayne, Katy Perry and superstar Lady GaGa to land the top honor.
According to Bbc News, Swift looked astonished at her success, telling the audience after winning her third award, "You have no idea what this means to me". Adele was absent from the ceremony through illness but was nevertheless expected to dominate - she ended up matching Taylor's haul after taking the awards for Best Female Artist, Best Album and Best Adult Contemporary Artist. 21-year-old Swift also won Best Female Country Artist for the second year running, and Best Country Album. Clearly taken aback, the star said, "This is one of the craziest things that has ever happened to me.I have no idea what I'm supposed to say - I did not think this was going to happen". Elsewhere at the star-studded bash, rapper Nicki Minaj won two awards and Justin Bieber joined dance pop group LMFAO on stage, however, it was a rare disappointment for Lady Gaga who went home empty handed, while Lil Wayne also left with nothing.
Despite her success, Taylor Swift was almost eclipsed by Jennifer Lopez, whose raunchy performance of On The Floor proved the hot topic of conversation. Her rumored boyfriend Casper Smart also joined her on-stage as a backing dancer.