In Pictures: American Music Awards 2006

The American Music Awards took place in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Soul diva Beyonce opened the show with her single, Irreplaceable.

Beyonce's boyfriend Jay-Z also performed. The rapper is coming out of self-imposed retirement to release a new album, Kingdom Come.

The Black Eyed Peas won three awards - including two for best group - but the hip-hop band were unable to attend the show as they were playing a concert in Costa Rica.

Britney Spears made one of her first public appearances since filing for divorce to present Mary J Blige with the award for favourite female R&B artist.

The Pussycat Dolls put on a lavish show at the awards, which are based on sales, radio play and votes from music lovers.

Jamie Foxx, who is better known for his acting roles, was named favourite male R&B artist. "I'm like a rookie in this music thing," he said. "This means a lot more than you think."

Barry Manilow entertained the crowd with a medley of songs from his Greatest Songs of the Sixties album.

Gwen Stefani yodelled and rapped through her new single Wind It Up, backed by a troupe of break-dancers.

Nelly Furtado took to the stage in a skin-tight white dress to perform her single Say It Right.

Actor Jack Black put on a typically energetic display of stage acrobatics with his rock band Tenacious D.

Snoop Dogg was showered with fake dollar bills while performing I Wanna Love You with Akon.