AP PHOTOS: Bieber, Minaj, Swift Win at AMAs Justin Beiber, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift won honors at Sunday night's American Music Awards. Beiber won favorite pop/rock male artist in the first award handed out and gave a shout-out to those who didn't think he would last on the music scene. Usher performs at the 40th Annual American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles. Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP Taylor Swift won her fifth consecutive award for favorite country female artist. Nicki Minaj was also a consecutive winner, picking up her second trophy for favorite rap/hip-hop album for "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded." Usher kicked off the three-hour show with green laser lights beaming onstage as he performed a medley of songs, including "Numb," "Climax" and "Can't Stop, Won't Stop." Here are some scenes from the awards show: