The world’s most terrifying pop sensation beats Eminem and Lady Gaga to be crowned artist of the year

The Justin Bieber juggernaut remains an unstoppable force after the teen star scooped four prizes at this year’s American Music awards.

The 16-year-old pop sensation beat Eminem, Lady Gaga and Usher to claim the coveted crown of artist of the year. Bieber also won in the three other categories he was nominated for: favourite pop/rock album, breakthrough artist and favourite male pop artist.

Elsewhere, Usher won the R&B/soul award for his sixth album Raymond V Raymond, Taylor Swift won favourite female country artist and the Black Eyed Peas were judged by the American public as being the best pop/rock band. Rihanna was voted best R&B female and went on to perform a medley of songs from her album Loud. Katy Perry, Kid Rock and Pink also performed at the ceremony in Los Angeles.

In a comment that may remind many music fans of their age, Justin Bieber said: “I’ve been singing Eminem since I was three and Usher is my mentor – so this is big.” Eminem and Usher both came away with two awards.

Justin Bieber’s latest album My World 2.0 has sold almost 2 million copies in the US.

Culture | guardian.co.uk