Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift win American Music Awards


Country star Taylor Swift and Michael Jackson each won four prizes at the midway point of the American Music Awards on Sunday, while Jennifer Lopez fell on her rear end during her performance. Swift and Jackson lead the contenders at the 37th annual ceremony, with six and five nominations, respectively, and will vie for the event's final honor, artist of the year. Swift, 19, accepted her awards live via satellite from backstage at London's Wembley Arena, where she will perform a concert on Monday. She was named favorite female artist in the pop/rock and country categories, and favorite adult-contemporary artist -- tributes to her wide crossover appeal. Her 2008 album "Fearless," the best-selling release in the United States this year, was named favorite country album. Jackson was named favorite male artist in the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. His brother Jermaine accepted on his behalf, thanking Allah "for blessing my entire family." The singer, who died of an overdose in June, also won two awards that were announced off the air. His hits collection "Number Ones" was named favorite album in the soul/R&B and pop/rock categories, beating out Swift in the latter. The other contenders for artist of the year are glam pop star Lady Gaga, rapper Eminem and rock band Kings of Leon.

Hip-hop act the Black Eyed Peas won two awards, as favorite group in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. Punk rock trio Green Day was named favorite alternative artist. Rascal Flatts won favorite country group for the fourth year in a row.