American Music Awards: Moments from the show

Usher kicked off the 2012 American Music Awards’ 40th-anniversary show by performing a medley of his popular songs at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 18. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Nov. 18, 2012 8:49 PM PT

Video: Watch the 40th annual red carpet | Photos: Red carpet arrivals | Photos: Celebrating 40 years of the American Music Awards | Photos: American Music Award Nominees

Justin Bieber accepts the American Music Award for pop/rock male artist.
“This is for the haters who thought that I was just maybe here for one or two years, but I feel like I’m gonna be here for a very long time,” the young star said. Bieber also thanked his mother. (John Shearer / Associated Press)

Taylor Swift accepts the award for country female artist for the fifth year in a row. “I’m so stoked,” she said, thanking her fans. “I guess what I’m trying to say is I”m really, really happy right now, and it’s all because of you.” (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Carly Rae Jepsen performs her new single “This Kiss” and her hit “Call Me Maybe” at the 2012 American Music Awards. (John Shearer / Associated Press)

The Wanted performs “I Found You” and “Glad You Came.” (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Kelly Clarkson performs snippets from “Miss Independent,” “Since You’ve Been Gone,” “What Doesn’t Kill You” and more. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Nicki Minaj accepts the award for rap/hip-hop album. It is her third American Music Award. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Kesha performs “Die Young.” (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Gwen Stefani of No Doubt performs “Looking Hot.” (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)

Rob Bourdon, Mike Shinoda, Chester Bennington, Dave Farrell and Brad Delson Won of Linkin Park accept the band’s fifth American Music Award for alternative rock artist. (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)

Taylor Swift performs “I Knew You Were Trouble.” (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)

Usher accepts the American Music Award for favorite soul/R&B male artist. It is his fourth win in the category and his eighth AMA. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Luke Bryan accepts the American Music Award for country male artist. “I’ll tell you what, I want to thank my wife for letting me be a big kid out on the road every week playing shows,” Bryan said, also thanking his fans and his family. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Chester Bennington of Linkin Park performs “Burn It Down.” (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Nicki Minaj debuts her new single, “Freedom,” backed by a Gospel choir. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Pink performs. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Carly Rae Jepsen accepts the American Music Award for new artist of the year. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Charles Kelley, left, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum present an award. The group won favorite country band, group or duo. (John Shearer / Associated Press)

Justin Bieber performs “As Long As You Love Me” and “Beauty And A Beat,” and Nicki Minaj joins him for a quick rap and dancing. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Christina Aguilera performs “Lotus,” “Army of Me” and “Let There Be Love.” (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Pitbull performs. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

David Guetta, who did not attend the American Music Awards, speaks to the audience in a recorded message after winning for electronic dance music artist. (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)

Presenter Jenny McCarthy plants a kiss on Justin Bieber as he accepts the award for pop/rock album for his album “Believe.” (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Carrie Underwood performs “Two Black Cadillacs.” (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Swizz Beatz, left, Chris Brown and Ludacris perform. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Nicki Minaj accepts the award for favorite rap/hip-hot artist. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Carrie Underwood accepts the award for favorite country album. It’s her fourth win in the category, covering every album she has released. “I really am so very proud of this album,” Underwood said. “I couldn’t love my life any more than I do right now.” (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Stevie Wonder performs “Master Blaster,” “My Cherie Amour” and “Sir Duke” in memory of Dick Clark, who died April 18, 2012. “I challenge you as communicators, leaders, politicians, spiritual leaders, put your love first,” Wonder told the audience. “Unite the world, and then we can be jammin’ ‘til the break of dawn.”

(Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Justin Bieber brings his mom, Pattie Malette, on stage as he accepts the award for artist of the year. It was his third win of the night. “It’s hard growing up with everything going on, with everyone watching me,” Bieber said. “But as long as you guys keep believing in me, I will always make you proud.” (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

MC Hammer, left, and Psy perform a mash-up of their hits “Gangnam Style” and “Too Legit to Quit,” closing out the 40th American Music Awards. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

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