Sunday, November 18, 2012 10:00pm ET by  
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Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift early winners at the 2012 AMAs

Tonight's (November 18) American Music Awards kicked off with performances from Usher, Carly Rae Jepsen and the UK's The Wanted, and the first set of winners have now been announced.

Canadian sensation Justin Bieber, who walked the red carpet with mother Pattie Mallette, picked up the Best Pop/Rock Male Artist prize and dedicated the award to Mallette, telling the crowd: "This is for all the haters who thought that maybe I was just here for one or two years, but I feel like I am going to be here for a very long time."

'Begin Again' beauty Taylor Swift also scored a trophy for Favourite Female Country Artist and thanked her fans for their constant support: "I'm really, really happy right now and that's all because of you."

Meanwhile, rap superstar Nicki Minaj took home the Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year for 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded', beating tough competition from the likes of J. Cole and Drake.

'Call Me Maybe' hitmaker Carly Rae Jepsen picked up the Best New Artist of the Year title, Usher collected the Favourite Male Artist Soul/R&B gong, and Linkin Park were named the Favourite Alternative Rock Act.

More winners are yet to be announced as the ceremony continues.

 

 

 

Watch Kelly Clarkson perform a medley of her greatest hits from earlier this evening below: