Justin Bieber dominates American Music Awards scooping four gongs

With millions of devoted fans tracking his every move, you would have thought singer Justin Bieber would be accustomed to open displays of affection.

But the teenage star appeared startled at the American Music Awards when he was pounced upon by newlyweds Katy Perry and Russell Brand.

The 16-year-old Canadian dominated the awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles last night where he won in four categories. He beat singers Perry and Lady Gaga and even his long-time idol Eminem, who had five nominations, to win artist of the year as well as being awarded best pop album, best pop male and breakthrough artist.

Eminem won best male hip-hop artist and hip-hop album. Usher, whose label Bieber is signed to, also won two awards for best male R&B singer and R&B album. Bieber said he had "been singing Eminem since I was three and Usher is my mentor — so this is big". Bieber — whose album My World 2.0 has sold nearly two million copies in the US since March — paid tribute to Michael Jackson, who last year won four posthumous awards, saying: "Without Michael Jackson, none of us would be here."

Other winners included Black Eyed Peas for best pop band, best country female Taylor Swift and Rihanna who won best R&B female. British band Muse won the alternative rock prize.