Taylor Swift gives her acceptance speech live from London via satellite during the 2009 American Music Awards help on November 22 broadcast live on ABC from the NOKIA Theatre in L.A. Photo courtesy of ABC. Photo credit Craig Sjodin.

Just over a week ago at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards show held on November 11, Taylor Swift took home four big awards, including ‘Entertainer of the Year’.  Tonight, at the 2009 American Music Awards (AMAs) Taylor one-upped herself.

The AMAs were broadcast live on ABC from the NOKIA Theatre in Los Angeles and featured a wild cross section of awards and performances ranging across all of today’s most popular genres of music.  Outside the country specific categories, it was country that took home the night’s major all-genre awards. The five awards  Taylor Swift took home included:  ‘Artist of the Year’, ‘Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist’, ‘Favorite Country Female Artist’, ‘Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist’, and ‘Favorite Country Album’.

View photo highlights from the
2009 American Music Awards »

One of the big surprises of the night came when new group Gloriana took home the AMA for  ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’, beating out Lady Gaga, Keri Hilson and Kid Cudi.  Gloriana, comprised of brothers Tom and Mike Gossin, Rachel Reinert and Cheyenne Kimball,  got their big break this year opening for Taylor Swift. The band gave thanks saying, “We’ve got so many people to thank … starting with Miss Taylor Swift. She believed in us and took us out on tour this year before anybody knew who we were, so thank you, Taylor.”

Taylor Swift beat out Kings of Leon, Lady Gaga, Eminem and the late Michael Jackson for the Artist of the Year award.  After receiving the final award of the night, a shocked and emotional Taylor had this to say via satellite from London where she was rehearsing for an upcoming show at Wembley Stadium. ” I just want to say that music has never been ultimately about competition, to even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson, who we will miss and love forever, is an unimaginable honor.”  Taylor continued her MJ tribute, “I’m sending my love to the Jackson family and Janet for reaching out to me the way that you have.”

And since the award was decided by fans, Taylor appropriately gave thanks, “to the fans, you have given me so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and I hope you guys have an awesome Thanksgiving.  I miss and I love you, thank you so much.”

Here’s a complete rundown of  AMA honors in the four country specific categories:

Favorite Country Male Artist: Keith Urban, “To my wife, I just love you so much baby girl, this is for you and Sunday.”

Favorite Country Female Artist: Taylor Swift , “I want to say thank you to country radio for giving fans a chance to hear my music. Thank you to everybody who came out to see my Fearless tour this summer and this year.

Favorite Country Group, Band or Duo: Rascal Flatts, “You guys have been amazing employers this year. Thank you. Keep employing us.”

Favorite Country Album: Fearless, Taylor Swift

The night’s only country performers were Keith Urban singing “Kiss A Girl,” followed by Carrie Underwood doing another steamy version of “Cowboy Casanova.”   Jason Aldean, the Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, and Reba McEntire were also featured on the show presenting and introducing performances.

All in all it was another huge night for Taylor Swift, and for country music.

For more details on the show and a complete list winners from all the categories visit www.americanmusicawards.com »

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