Michael Jackson and teen artist Taylor Swift were the big winners at the star-studded American Music awards, which featured memorable performances by artistes like Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert and 'Black Eyed Peas'.

'King of Pop' bagged four awards at the award ceremony last night but stopped short of beating Swift, who turned out to be the top winner by collecting five trophies, including Artist of the Year at the 37th American Music Awards.

The late singer won in the Favorite Male Artist Soul/R&B and Favorite Male Artist Pop/Rock categories among his four wins, the MTV.com reported.

Jackson's awards were accepted by brother Jermaine, who said that his brother's message was just as important as his music.

"The message that Michael had will live on forever. He saw good in everyone and he wanted everyone to do good. He always started with love," said Jermaine.

Swift accepted her award via video link-up from London, where she was in the middle of a late-night rehearsal. "Music has never been openly about competition and to even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson, who will be missed and loved forever, is an unimaginable honor," she said.

However, the main highlight of the evening was a series of jaw-dropping performances from some of the biggest names in the business.

During the three-hour live show at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Eminem, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, Shakira, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, Green Day and Adam Lambert all took the stage.

True to her reputation, Lady Gaga delivered an eye-popping performance on her new single "Bad Romance".

She matched a flesh-colored bodysuit with flashing white accessories that mimicked a rib cage. She then picked up her mic stand and smashed open a glass enclosure housing a piano. She climbed up, sat down and played "Speechless" while flames enveloped the wooden instrument.

Whitney Houston was honored with the International Artist of the Year award, joining only six other winners such as Michael Jackson in the history of the AMAs. She also performed on "I Didn't Know My Own Strength."

'American Idol' star Adam Lambert closed the show with a provocative version of his single, "For Your Entertainment." The awards were presented by Alex Rodriguez, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Kristen Bell, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Kris Allen, Ne-Yo, Perez Hilton, Drake, Kid Cudi, Samuel L Jackson, Leona Lewis, Seth Greene and Ryan Seacrest.

The Awards honor the year's top-selling artists in eight popular genres.