The awarding ceremony for the 39th American Music Awards was held in Los Angeles on Sunday. Pop-country star Taylor Swift beat other contenders such as Lady Gaga and Katy Perry to capture all three awards that she was nominated for at the ceremony.

Recording artist Taylor Swift reigned supreme at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Recording artist Taylor Swift reigned supreme at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. The 21-year-old pop-country star won artist of the year, nabbing the top trophy for the second time in her young career.

Taylor Swift also won the awards for favorite country album and favorite country female artist.

Adele, absent as she recovers from throat surgery, won the favorite pop/rock female artist, adult contemporary artist and pop/rock album for her chart-topping "21."

Nicki Minaj, who kicked off the fan-favorite ceremony, picked up two awards - she was later honored as favorite rap/hip-hop artist, besting a group that included mentor Lil Wayne, and won favorite rap/hip-hop album for "Pink Friday."

Recording artist Taylor Swift reigned supreme at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Other winners included Maroon 5 as favorite pop-rock band/duo/group, Beyonce as favorite soul/R&B female artist, Bruno Mars as pop/rock male artist, and Rihanna for favorite soul/R&B album for "Loud".

The ceremony inside the Nokia Theatre in an unusually rainy Los Angeles was dripping with more musical performances than winners. Jennifer Lopez, who nabbed the favorite Latin music artist award, performed a live version of her hit "On the Floor." Christina Aguilera joined Maroon 5 for their duet "Moves Like Jagger."

A pink-haired Katy Perry accompanied herself on guitar for "The One That Got Away," then received an achievement award for getting five No. 1 singles from her album "