The 19-year-old R&B singer Chris Brown swept the American Music Awards on Sunday when he won three prizes, including the ceremony's final award of the artist of the year. He was also named favorite male artist in both the soul/R&B and pop/rock categories, while his girlfriend, Rihanna, won those categories for the women.

Brown, well-known for his on-stage athleticism, overshadowed Alicia Keys - who led the field with five nominations - and ended up with a pair of statuettes.

On winning the final award, Brown told reporters backstage at the Nokia Theater: "I probably was shocked like everybody else. I know everybody was like, 'Huh?' I thought Coldplay should have genuinely won that award, but I'll take it!"

Other multiple winners included outspoken rapper Kanye West, who more often than not expresses his dismay when he is overlooked at awards shows. He won the first two American Music Awards of his career, but said he would give one of them away to fellow nominee, Lil Wayne.

Alicia Keys was another double winner: Her CD, "As I Am," was both pop/rock and soul/R&B album winner. Other winners included Brad Paisley for favorite country artist, Taylor Swift for favorite female country act, and Rascal Flatts for favorite country favorite band, duo or group.

As has been the tradition of the American Music Awards, the show was centered on its performances. It featured high-energy sets from Miley Cyrus, Ne-Yo and Beyonce, though a pair of lackluster medleys opened the program at the Nokia Theatre. Christina Aguilera channeled Madonna and the New Kids on the Block channeled an earlier version of themselves, as each sang their latest singles and greatest hits.