American Music Awards

The 2012 American Music Awards saved the best for last Sunday.

No one can deny the ubiquity of PSY and his infectious hit "Gangnam Style," making the Korean rapper the perfect choice to close out the 40th annual AMAs.

The entire night led up to his performance, and amazingly, it exceeded the sky-high expectations. He can thank MC Hammer - the one and only - for that:

PSY ft. MC Hammer - Gangnam Style (American Music Awards 2012)

Halfway through PSY's performance - one not lacking for strobe lights, backup dancers, bedazzled pants and sunglasses - the stage went black.

All that was heard were two familiar words: "Stop. Hammertime."

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Whether or not he's been thrusting on top of Rihanna is open for debate, but Chris Brown's career continues to thrust upward into the musical stratosphere.

Love him or hate him, there's no bigger name in R&B today.

Fittingly, he took the stage at the 2012 AMAs, an event whose nominees and performers were determined by popularity. Chris teamed up with Swizz Beatz and Ludacris.

Watch below and see what you think of the trio's "Everybody Birthday":

Swizz Beatz ft. Chris Brown & Ludacris - Everyday Birthday (Live 2012 American Music Awards)

In a word? WOW.

She may not have the fan base of Justin Bieber. Or the break-up anthems of Taylor Swift. Or the smoke, bells and whistles of performers such as Ke$ha or Nicki Minaj.

But Pink did have the American Music Awards audience in the palm of her talented hand last night, as she kept her rendition of "Try" as basic as possible.

It was simply the artist, dancer Colt Prattes and some seriously impressive moves. Was this THE performance of the night? We think so. Decide for yourself:

Pink - "Try" (AMA Performance)

Ke$ha was one of many acts to take to the stage at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles last night.

The reason? The 2012 American Music Awards. The song? "Die Young." The performance? Fun and unusual.

This is Ke$ha, after all.

Watch the dollar-signed singer in action now and visit our THG Video section for a look at ALL the performances from a huge night in music...

Ke$ha - "Die Young" (AMA Performance)

Fans saw a different side of Taylor Swift at the 2012 American Music Awards.

The artist performed "I Knew You Were Trouble" in front of screaming fans and millions on television, tearing off her sparkly dress at one point to reveal a bustier and black tights to go along with a pair of combat boots.

Were you a fan of the look? The rendition? Watch and grade now:

Taylor Swift - "I Know You Were Trouble" (AMA Performance)

Other event performances included:

• Carrie Underwood - "Two Black Cadillacs"
• Carly Rae Jepsen - This Kiss/Call Me Maybe
• Kelly Clarkson with a greatest hits medley.

Carrie Underwood was among the American Music Award winners Sunday night, with Blown Away taking home the prize for Favorite Country Album.

“This means so much to me because I really am so very proud of this album,” she said.

“I’d like to thank God for giving me the love for music and inspiration to make this album and for giving me the most amazing fans in the entire universe."

"I couldn’t love my life any more than I do right now.”

Pretty much sums up how we feel about her, and fellow Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. Carrie later debuted her new single, “Two Black Cadillacs." Watch:

Carrie Underwood - Two Black Cadillacs (American Music Awards)

Carly Rae Jepsen won the New Artist of the Year trophy at last night American Music Awards.

She then set out to prove she was worthy of such an honor.

The 26-year old Canadian performed her very first hit and her latest single on stage, entertaining attendees with renditions of "Call Me Maybe" and "This Kiss."

Check them out for yourself now:

Carly Rae Jepsen - This Kiss/Call Me Maybe

There was very good news for Usher fans last night: the singer took to the stage at the American Music Awards.

However, there was also bad news: he kept his shirt on.

Still, the slick dancer and all-around incredible talent blew attendees away with a medley of “Numb,” “Climax,” and “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.” Watch now:

Usher American Music Awards Medley

Among other AMA acts last night:

• Nicki Minaj performed "Freedom."
• Steve Wonder honored Dick Clark.
• Justin Bieber doubled down with a pair of singles.

"Music is the soundtrack of our lives." - Dick Clark

Stevie Wonder performed a moving tribute at the 2012 American Music Awards last night, sharing fond memories of the late American Bandstand host.

Dick Clark passed away in April at age 82, making him the world's oldest teenager and proving that an individual's spirit far outlasts one's physical life span.

Watch Stevie's musical tribute and the touching AMA montage below:

Stevie Wonder - American Music Awards Dick Clark Tribute

Kelly Clarkson spent the summer on tour, covering singles from artists such as Eminem and Adele.

But the singer took to the stage last night at the American Music Awards and turned the focus back on herself, performing an impressive array of tracks from her upcoming Greatest Hits album.

Standing in front of a makeshift American Idol panel, Clarkson kicked things off with "Miss Independent" and then launched into four minutes worth of fun.

Sit back and enjoy it all now:

Kelly Clarkson Greatest Hits Medley