Bieber is crowned king of pop

IDOL: Teenage girls flood web voting system as fresh-faced star beats Eminem to dominate US music awards

Mon 22 Nov 2010 at 16:00

TEEN idol Justin Bieber swept the American Music Awards on Sunday, overshadowing Eminem to take home four prizes, including artist of the year.

The fresh-faced pop singer also won statuettes for favourite pop album, breakthrough artist and favourite male pop artist.

Since the awards are determined by fans' online voting, the 16-year-old star was unquestionably the frontrunner. His millions of young female fans account for a hefty portion of overall Twitter messaging traffic.

Eminem and country trio Lady Antebellum, who led the contenders with five nominations each, had to make do with some scraps. Eminem won a pair of prizes in the rap/hip hop field, losing to Bieber in his three other categories. He did not attend the event at the Nokia Theatre. Lady Antebellum was named best country group.

R&B singer Usher, who helped discover Bieber about 18 months ago and signed the youngster to a record deal, also won a pair of prizes. The two embraced on stage after Bieber collected his Artist Of The Year trophy.

"I don't cry that often but I did, and I enjoyed it," Usher told reporters backstage.

During his trips to the stage, Bieber (right) repeatedly thanked his fans and reflected on his unlikely rise to fame.

"I'm from the smallest town in the world of, like, 30,000 people," he said as he accepted the breakthrough artist award. "I never thought this was possible."

Alternative

Bieber, who was raised in Stratford, Ontario, but now lives in the United States, is perhaps the hottest new commodity in the music world. His album, My World 2.0, has sold almost two million copies in the US since its release earlier this year.

Fellow Canadian, Michael Buble, 35, won his first-ever award, for favourite adult contemporary artist. "While you Americans are sitting getting fat, us Canadians are getting ready to take over," he joked.

British band Muse won the award for favourite alternative rock artist.

The winners are ...

Soul/R&B Album - Usher, Raymond v Raymond

Soul/R&B Female Artist - Rihanna

Soul/R&B Male Artist - Usher

Pop/Rock Album - Justin Bieber, My World 2.0

Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group - Black Eyed Peas

Pop/Rock Female Artist - Lady Gaga

Pop/Rock Male Artist - Justin Bieber

Rap/Hip-Hop Album - Eminem, Recovery

Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist - Eminem

Country Band, Duo or Group - Lady Antebellum