<<Print>>

Michael Jackson has made history by winning four posthumous prizes at the American Music Awards. The wins made Jackson, who died in June at the age of 50, the most honoured artist in the ceremony's history with a career total of 23 accolades. But country star Taylor Swift was the big winner on the night, winning five prizes including artist of the year. Less successful was Jennifer Lopez, who slipped and landed on her rear during a dance routine for her latest single. The singer was unhurt in the brief tumble and carried on with her performance. Jackson was named best pop/rock male artist and best soul/R&B male artist at Sunday's ceremony in Los Angeles. His greatest hits compilation Number Ones also won the best album award in the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. The late star's trophies were accepted by his brother Jermaine, who said his sibling's message "would live on forever". "He saw good in everyone and he wanted everyone to do good," said the Jackson 5 singer. "He always started with love." Swift also paid tribute to Jackson as she accepted her awards by satellite from London. "To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson, who we will miss and love forever, is an unimaginable honour," she said as she received the event's top award. Swift was also named best female pop/rock and country artist and best adult-contemporary artist. The 19-year-old's debut release Fearless was named best country album. Other awards on the night went to Beyonce Knowles, Black Eyed Peas and country singer Keith Urban. Whitney Houston received an international award of excellence which she dedicated to her daughter Bobbi, music mogul Clive Davis and "everybody who supported me". The soul star sang a track from her comeback album at an event that also featured performances from Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z and Rihanna. Lady Gaga raised eyebrows by playing a piano that caught fire during a typically flamboyant performance. And Colombian star Shakira was flanked by a dozen dancers in black bodysuits as she sang her new single. Nominees were determined by radio airplay and retail sales, with the eventual winners decided via online voting. Last year's ceremony saw R&B singer Chris Brown, Rihanna's former boyfriend, receive three prizes including artist of the year.