Bieber dominates AMAs

America proved its Bieber Fever was strong: The teen singer dominated the American Music Awards on Sunday night.

Bieber’s wins included the show’s top award, artist of the year. His mom joined him onstage as he collected the trophy, beating out Rihanna, Maroon 5, Katy Perry and Drake.

“I wanted to thank you for always believing in me,” Bieber said, looking to his mom.

The 18-year-old also won the honor in 2010. He said it’s “hard growing up with everyone watching me” and asked that people continue to believe in him.

Bieber and Nicki Minaj performed together – and separately – at the AMAs and were both multiple winners.

But another collaboration was the night’s most colorful performance: Korean rapper PSY and MC Hammer. Hammer joined the buzzed-about pop star for his viral hit “Gangnam Style.” PSY rocked traditional “Hammer” pants as they danced to his jam and to Hammer’s “Too Legit to Quit.”

Bieber 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.

“I want to say this is for all the haters who thought I was just here for one or two years. I feel like I’m going to be here for a very long time,” he said.

He also won favorite pop/rock album for “Believe.”

Minaj, who wore three different wigs and four outfits during the night, repeated her AMAs wins from last year, picking up trophies for favorite rap/hip-hop artists and 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,” which featured a smoky floor and a number of backup dancers, as he jammed in all black, with the exception of his red shoes. He won favorite soul/R&B male artist.

Taylor Swift won her fifth consecutive award for favorite country female artist.

“This is unreal. I want to thank the fans. You guys are the ones who voted on this,” she said.

Dick Clark, who created the AMAs, was remembered by Ryan Seacrest and an upbeat performance by Stevie Wonder.

Carly Rae Jepsen, who performed early in the night, won favorite new artist.

“I am floored. Wow,” she said, thanking Bieber and his manager, Scooter Braun.

Fellow “Idol” winner Carrie Underwood won best favorite country album, also performed, singing “Two Black Cadillacs.” Luke Bryan won favorite country male artist and Lady Antebellum favorite country group.

David Guetta won the show’s first-ever electronic dance music award. Non-televised awards went to Katy Perry for pop/rock female artist, Beyonce for soul/R&B female artist, Adele for adult contemporary artist and Shakira for Latin artist.