LOS ANGELES --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.
The singer's mom joined him onstage as he collected the top award.
He looked to his mom: "I wanted to thank you for always believing in me."
"I want to say this is for all the haters who [said] that 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, also thanking his manager, family and his "beautiful, beautiful fans."
The 18-year-old also won favorite pop/rock album for Believe and male artist.
He performed two songs, one with just an acoustic guitarist for backup and another upbeat with Nicki Minaj. As Bieber won his second award, presenter Jenny McCarthy kissed him on the neck.
Minaj repeated her AMAs wins from last year, picking up trophies for favorite rap/hip-hop artist and album for Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. She performed her new song Freedom.
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.
Taylor Swift won her fifth consecutive award for favorite country female artist.
But the American Music Awards are all about performances, and Sunday's show was no exception. The three-hour program broadcast live on ABC featured performances by Pink, Ludacris, Chris Brown and Swizz Beatz.
North Texan Kelly Clarkson also hit the stage, making a nod to her American Idol roots with a number on her dress and three judges looking on as she sang Miss Independent. Then she went into Since U Been Gone, Stronger and Catch My Breath.
