Women were the big winners at the 39th annual American Music Awards (AMAs).

Taylor Swift received the top honour at Sunday's ceremony, being named 2011's Artist of the Year. The country songstress beat out tough competition with artists Adele, Katy Perry, Lil Wayne and Lady Gaga also nominated for the award.

Taylor, who earned this title in 2009 and the Entertainer of the Year award at this year's Country Music Association Awards, was elated to receive the prize.

"This is one of the craziest things that has ever happened to me," the singer told the audience. "Thank you to the fans. Please, never change."

Taylor also won the Favourite Country Female Artist award and her 2010 album Speak Now was dubbed Favourite Country Album of the Year.

Jennifer Lopez picked up an award for Favourite Latin Music Artist.

"It's been a really amazing year in so many ways," Jennifer said as she accepted her award. "It's been up and down and just exciting and overwhelming."

Katy Perry dressed in pink as she played her single The One That Got Away on her matching pink acoustic guitar. After her performance, the star was surprised with a special achievement award for having five number one singles from the same album.

Nicki Minaj was named Favourite Hip Hop Artist and her album Pink Friday won Favourite Hip Hop Album.

Adele, whose record 21 won Favourite Pop Album of the Year, was absent from the ceremony due to her recent throat surgery.

The ceremony was held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

American Music Awards (AMA) 2011 winners:

Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift

New Artist of the Year: Hot Chelle Rae

Favourite Male Pop Artist: Bruno Mars

Favourite Female Pop Artist: Adele

Favourite Pop Band, Duo or Group: Maroon 5

Favourite Pop Album: 21, Adele

Favourite Male Country Artist: Blake Shelton

Favourite Female Country Artist: Taylor Swift

Favourite Country Band, Duo or Group: Lady Antebellum

Favourite Country Album: Speak Now, Taylor Swift

Favourite Male R&B Artist: Usher

Favourite Female R&B Artist - Beyonc Knowles

Favourite R&B Album: Loud, Rihanna

Favourite Hip-hop Artist: Nicki Minaj

Favourite Hip-hop Album: Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj

Favourite Alternative Rock Artist: Foo Fighters

Favourite Adult Contemporary Artist: Adele

Favourite Latin Artist: Jennifer Lopez