They wore *what*? A stroll down the AMAs red carpet

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Though the 2010 American Music Awards broadcast was definitely tamer and more ‘family friendly’ than last year’s Adam Lambert explosion, the red carpet still had its share of ‘OMG’ moments Sunday in Los Angeles -- and no, it wasn’t just about Taylor Swift‘s hair.

Among the flashier folks: Ke$ha stepping out in Hefty bag chic, Willow Smith in an ‘80s-redux onesie, and Nicki Minaj in a sort of Versace meets Carmen Miranda meets ‘The Fifth Element’ ensemble (actually, it was Manish Arora).

Though Justin Bieber didn’t stop on the red carpet on his way to winning four awards, including artist of the year, his mentor, Usher, played it cool on arrival in black leather and shades.

Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum, the most nominated group of the evening, rocked jackets and ties and a gown, for the lady, with boots for the gents. The team took home one award out of five nods, for favorite country band, duo or group.

Gavin Rossdale shared the ‘very fluid’ dynamics of his rehearsals with Carlos Santana, and members of New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys discussed their upcoming mash-up tour. It hits Los Angeles on June 1, ladies -- you know who you are.

Pop & Hiss has instant reviews of the night’s many performances -- but be forewarned, Todd Martens was not grading on a curve. Click the pic of Usher and Bieber above for more photos.

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-- Christie D’Zurilla

Upper photos: Kesha, left, Nicki Minaj and a map-not-to-scale Willow Smith (she’s 5 feet tall, shorter than Minaj by 2 inches, in stocking feet). Ke$ha towers over both of them -- but we wanted to show you the shoes. Credits: Mike Nelson / EPA, left; Jason Merritt / Getty Images, center and right

Lower photo: Usher, left, and Justin Bieber in the press room at the American Music Awards, where between the two of them they took home six trophies. Credit: Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images