Carrie Underwood won American Idol in 2005

Carrie Underwood, who won the TV talent show in 2005, took home three awards including favourite female country artist and country album.

Chris Daughtry, who took part in 2006, also took home three awards with his band, beating Justin Timberlake to win favourite pop-rock album.

The band also won the breakthrough and adult contemporary artist awards.

Backstage, the singer explained he was an artist before he took part in American Idol.

"The show didn't make me who I am," he said. "It just gave me a chance to show everybody else who I am."

Justin Timberlake accepted two awards by video from Australia.

The SexyBack star picked up gongs for male pop-rock artist and soul/R&B album for FutureSex/LoveSounds.

Beyonce received the international artist award

Rapper TI was also unable to attend the ceremony, as he is under house arrest awaiting trial on weapons charges.

Nonetheless, he won two prizes in the hip-hop category - best male artist and best album, for TI vs. TIP. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony were named favourite rap group.

Akon and Rihanna took home the favourite male and female soul/R&B artist awards.

And Disney's High School Musical 2 won the favourite soundtrack album prize.

Usher presented Beyonce with the international artist award - reserved for a select handful of artists such as Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart and Aerosmith.

"I'm so blessed to wake up every morning and do what I love. I'm so grateful, so honoured and so humbled by this award," the former Destiny's Child star said.

Nominees for the 35th American Music Awards were selected based on national sales and radio play.

For the first time in its history, winners were chosen by public votes cast online.