American Music awards 2012 - in pictures

Pink has her picture taken with fans Photograph: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Ryan Seacrest, one of the presenters at the awards, hits the red carpet Photograph: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Carly Rae Jepsen performs on stage Photograph: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

A shirtless Chris Brown after performing with Ludacris Photograph: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Nicki Minaj reacts with shock as she wins an award Photograph: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Christina Aguilera performs with a scantily clad dancer Photograph: Alexandra Wyman/FilmMagic

Gwen Stefani of No Doubt gives a fiery performance Photograph: Matt Sayles/AP

Swizz Beatz, Chris Brown and Ludacris pose for the camera
Photograph: Frazer Harrison/AMA2012/Getty Images

Ke$ha performs with Day of the Dead-themed dancers Photograph: Lester Cohen/WireImage

Triple-winner Justin Bieber on stage Photograph: Alexandra Wyman /FilmMagic

Will.i.am poses on the red carpet
Photograph: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Justin Bieber hugs his mother Pattie Mallette after winning an award Photograph: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

MC Hammer joins Psy on stage to dance Gangnam style Photograph: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Nicki Minaj performs her song Freedom Photograph: DANNY MOLOSHOK/REUTERS

Taylor Swift gives a theatrical performance of I Knew You Were Trouble Photograph: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

The Wanted, fronted by Nathan Sykes Photograph: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Usher poses with his award for favourite soul/R&B male artist Photograph: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Justin Bieber poses with two of his three trophies Photograph: Michael Buckner/Getty Images