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2009 American Music Awards

Michael Jackson won four posthumous awards, Taylor Swift took home top honors and Adam Lambert brought some controversy to Sunday night's American Music Awards in Los Angeles.

Janet Jackson performs a medley at Sunday's American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Her brother Michael was the winner of four posthumous awards, including favorite pop/rock album.

Janet Jackson performs a medley at Sunday's American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Her brother Michael was the winner of four posthumous awards, including favorite pop/rock album.

Matt Sayles-AP

Shakira performs "Give It Up to Me."

Shakira performs "Give It Up to Me."

Matt Sayles-AP

Leona Lewis, left, and Carrie Ann Inaba present the award for favorite country female artist, won by Taylor Swift.

Leona Lewis, left, and Carrie Ann Inaba present the award for favorite country female artist, won by Taylor Swift.

Matt Sayles-AP

Country starlet Swift accepts her awards via satellite from London, where she is performing a concert on Monday. Swift won four awards, including artist of the year.

Country starlet Swift accepts her awards via satellite from London, where she is performing a concert on Monday. Swift won four awards, including artist of the year.

Mario Anzuoni-Reuters

Alicia Keys and Jay-Z perform their hit "Empire State of Mind." Jay-Z won two awards, for favorite rap/hip-hop artist and album.

Alicia Keys and Jay-Z perform their hit "Empire State of Mind." Jay-Z won two awards, for favorite rap/hip-hop artist and album.

Matt Sayles-AP

Carrie Underwood performs "Cowboy Casanova." Underwood lost out to Swift for favorite country female artist.

Carrie Underwood performs "Cowboy Casanova." Underwood lost out to Swift for favorite country female artist.

Kevork Djansezian-Getty Images

Singers Keri Hilson and Toni Braxton appear at Sunday's American Music Awards.

Singers Keri Hilson and Toni Braxton appear at Sunday's American Music Awards.

Kevork Djansezian-Getty Images

Upstart country group Gloriana won the breakthrough artist award, beating out Lady Gaga, Kid Cudi and Keri Hilson.

Upstart country group Gloriana won the breakthrough artist award, beating out Lady Gaga, Kid Cudi and Keri Hilson.

Chris Pizzello-AP

SoShy, Nelly Furtado and Timbaland perform "Morning After Dark."

SoShy, Nelly Furtado and Timbaland perform "Morning After Dark."

Kevork Djansezian-Getty Images

Actresses Nicole Kidman, left, and Kate Hudson present at the American Music Awards.

Actresses Nicole Kidman, left, and Kate Hudson present at the American Music Awards.

Kevork Djansezian-Getty Images

Adam Lambert closed the show with a sexually charged performance that saw him kiss a male dancer and lead two others around the stage on a leash.

Adam Lambert closed the show with a sexually charged performance that saw him kiss a male dancer and lead two others around the stage on a leash.

Matt Sayles-AP

Aerosmith's new lead singer? No, just the rock group's guitarist appearing with rapper Snoop Dogg.

Aerosmith's new lead singer? No, just the rock group's guitarist appearing with rapper Snoop Dogg.

Kevork Djansezian-Getty Images

Lady Gaga was nominated for four awards but went home empty-handed.

Lady Gaga was nominated for four awards but went home empty-handed.

Matt Sayles-AP

Jennifer Lopez performs her new single "Louboutins."

Jennifer Lopez performs her new single "Louboutins."

Matt Sayles-AP

Chris Daughtry performs "Life After You." He lost to Taylor Swift for favorite adult contemporary artist.

Chris Daughtry performs "Life After You." He lost to Taylor Swift for favorite adult contemporary artist.

Matt Sayles-AP

Keith Urban accepts the award for favorite country male artist.

Keith Urban accepts the award for favorite country male artist.

Mario Anzuoni-Reuters

The Black Eyed Peas perform a medley of "Meet Me Halfway" and "Boom Boom Pow." The group also won two awards.

The Black Eyed Peas perform a medley of "Meet Me Halfway" and "Boom Boom Pow." The group also won two awards.

Mario Anzuoni-Reuters

Whitney Houston performs "I Didn't Know My Own Strength."

Whitney Houston performs "I Didn't Know My Own Strength."

Mario Anzuoni-Reuters

Green Day poses in the green room with its award for favorite alternative rock artist.

Green Day poses in the green room with its award for favorite alternative rock artist.

Gabriel Bouys-AFP/Getty Images

Rihanna performs "Wait Your Turn."

Rihanna performs "Wait Your Turn."

Mario Anzuoni-Reuters

Singer Jermaine Jackson accepts an award on behalf of his late brother Michael.

Singer Jermaine Jackson accepts an award on behalf of his late brother Michael.

Kevork Djansezian-Getty Images

Gallery Credits:
Producer, Photo Editor Stephen Cook Text Editor David Malitz

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