On Sunday night, the 2012 American Music Awards honoured a handful of artists who defined the year’s sound, stage presence, and social buzz. The ceremony’s brightest moment came when Justin Bieber claimed the top prize, Artist of the Year, finishing ahead of Rihanna, Maroon 5, Drake and Katy Perry in a fiercely watched race. The Canadian-born performer invited his mother to share in the moment on stage as he accepted the trophy, a gesture that resonated with fans around the world. Later in the broadcast, after receiving the Favorite Pop/Rock Album award for Believe, Bieber publicly thanked his mentor Usher, noting how their collaboration helped shape his artistic direction. The awards show underscored a year in which Bieber not only topped charts but became a symbol of a pop culture era that blends social media momentum with traditional award show glamour. [Source: AMAs official results]
Taylor Swift’s presence was equally celebrated as she nabbed her fifth consecutive award for Favorite Female Artist – Country. Her triumph reinforced her enduring appeal in the country scene while hinting at the shifting boundaries of her musical reach that year. The masquerade-themed performance of I Knew You Were Trouble that followed offered a dramatic, stylish departure, highlighting Swift’s prowess as a live storyteller and stage performer. The moment showcased a fusion of theatrical flair and personal storytelling that defined her career, giving the show a standout highlight. [Source: AMAs official results]
Canada received further recognition when Carly Rae Jepsen was named New Artist of the Year, a nod to a breakout year that elevated her profile beyond her home country. Call Me Maybe had already become a global earworm, propelling Jepsen into the international spotlight and opening doors to collaborations, television appearances, and a wider fan base. Many commentators had predicted One Direction would claim the honour, reflecting the year’s popularity of emerging acts, but the AMAs went with Jepsen, underscoring the event’s willingness to celebrate fresh voices from different parts of the music world. [Source: AMAs official results]
Check out the full winner’s list below, which captures the range of genres that defined the year and the artists who defined those genres for audiences across North America. The ceremony’s lineup highlighted pop, country, hip hop, soul and R&B, Latin, electronic dance music, and more, illustrating the diverse ecosystem that powers popular music today. [Source: AMAs official results]
ARTIST OF THE YEAR – Justin Bieber — This top prize capped a year of chart-toppers, sold-out concerts, and a growing global footprint that solidified Bieber as a defining figure in pop culture. [Source: AMAs official results]
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR – Carly Rae Jepsen — The award marked a breakout moment, recognizing a breakout year sparked by infectious hooks and rising international attention. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK – Justin Bieber — The category acknowledged Bieber’s continuing influence on the pop and rock landscape through a string of hit singles and high-energy performances. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK – Katy Perry — Perry’s continued spotlight in the pop-rock world was celebrated with new singles and memorable live performances. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP – POP/ROCK – Maroon 5 — Maroon 5’s enduring blend of rock and pop kept them in the spotlight with chart-toppers and enduring radio presence. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE ALBUM – POP/ROCK – Justin Bieber, “Believe” — The album’s sales, radio play, and streaming momentum helped define the year’s pop-rock sound. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY – Luke Bryan — Bryan’s energetic live shows and crossover appeal continued to drive country into broader audiences. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY – Taylor Swift — Swift’s influence in country music remained strong while her pop sensibility broadened her appeal. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP – COUNTRY – Lady Antebellum — Lady Antebellum’s harmonies and modern country sound kept them at the top of the genre’s landscape. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY – Carrie Underwood, “Blown Away” — Underwood’s storytelling and vocal power cemented her status in contemporary country. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP – Nicki Minaj — Minaj’s bold voice and flagship collaborations continued to shape the sound of hip-hop. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE ALBUM – RAP/HIP-HOP – Nicki Minaj, “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” — Minaj’s prolific output and provocative style kept her at the forefront of the genre. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B – Usher — Usher’s smooth blend of R&B and pop remained a staple of the urban mainstream. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B – Beyonce — Beyonce’s artistry and vocal prowess continued to set benchmarks in the genre. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE ALBUM – SOUL/R&B – Rihanna, “Talk That Talk” — Rihanna’s album delivered a blend of fierce hooks and reflective ballads that resonated with fans. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE ARTIST – ALTERNATIVE ROCK – Linkin Park — Linkin Park’s dynamic sound kept their fans energized across rock and alternative scenes. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE ARTIST – ADULT CONTEMPORARY – Adele — Adele’s emotional storytelling continued to captivate adult contemporary audiences worldwide. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE ARTIST – LATIN – Shakira — Shakira’s global appeal and cross-genre hits highlighted the genre’s reach across North America. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE ARTIST – CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL – tobyMac — tobyMac’s uplifting sound found resonance with fans seeking positive, faith-informed pop. [Source: AMAs official results]
FAVORITE ARTIST – ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC – David Guetta — Guetta’s club-ready anthems and collaborations helped shape the EDM wave of the year. [Source: AMAs official results]