Usher collected four awards

The singer collected best R&B-soul artist, best pop-rock singer and two best album awards.

Guests from the world of music were out in force for the ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Hip-hop duo Outkast were once again celebrating after picking up three awards, including best rap/hip-hop group and album.

Making his acceptance speech, OutKast's Big Boi paid tribute former Wu-Tang Clan member ODB, who collapsed and died in a recording studio on Saturday.

Genres

I feel I was definitely robbed... I was the best new artist this year Kanye West

Rest in peace Ol' Dirty Bastard. We love you."

The American Music Awards (AMA), a rival to the Grammys, covers a variety of genres from rap to country, with awards based on record sales and a listener survey of 20,000 people.

The female soul-R&B category was won by Alicia Keys, who beat Janet Jackson and Beyonce, while Sheryl Crow picked up the favourite pop-rock artist.

Brooks and Dunn collected their forth AMA for favourite country band, while Toby Keith was a double winner for male country artist and album.

Country singer Gretchen Wilson beat Kanye West, Maroon 5 to win best newcomer.

Gwen Stefani put on a colourful show

And country star Kenny Chesney won a public vote for favourite performer.

"I really didn't think anybody was going to beat Usher tonight," Chesney said.

Disappointment

Performances on the night included Gwen Stefani, Lenny Kravitz,

Rapper Kanye West could not hide his disappointment at failing to pick up any of the three awards he was nominated for.

"I feel I was definitely robbed ... I was the best new artist this year," West said backstage.

"I don't know if I'll be back at this award show next year."

Rock group Bon Jovi received a special merit award, which lead singer Jon Bon Jovi called "surreal but much appreciated".