Pop star Beyonce was the big winner at the prestigious US music ceremony in Los Angeles, winning six prizes. Starting the night with 10 nominations, her awards included song of the year and best R&B song, both for Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).

Twenty-year-old country star Taylor Swift picked up four prizes, including the coveted album of the year title. The Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z and Kings of Leon all picked up three trophies each, while Lady GaGa and Eminem won two.

Beyonce has set a new record for the most awards won in a single year by a solo female, and takes her career tally to 16. Her other awards this year included best contemporary R&B album, best R&B female vocal for Single Ladies and best traditional R&B performance for At Last, which she performed at President Obama's inauguration. She also won best pop vocal performance for Halo.

Accepting that trophy, she said: "This has been such an amazing night for me and I'd like to thank the Grammys. "I'd like to thank my family including my husband, I love you," she added, referring to rapper Jay-Z.