Justin Beiber, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift won honors at Sunday night’s American Music Awards.

Beiber won favorite pop/rock male artist in the first award handed out and gave a shout-out to those who didn’t think he would last on the music scene.

Taylor Swift won her fifth consecutive award for favorite country female artist.

Nicki Minaj was also a consecutive winner, picking up her second trophy for favorite rap/hip-hop album for ‘‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.’’

Usher kicked off the three-hour show with green laser lights beaming onstage as he performed a medley of songs, including ‘‘Numb,’’ ‘'Climax’’ and ‘‘Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.’’