The American Music Awards for 2009, held last night at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, was a very sparkly, A-list affair, with huge surprises and plenty to get excited about. However, perhaps no one was excited as Taylor Swift, the young country singer who got to take home no less than five awards and who thus became one of the two big winners of the night, as People magazine also puts it.

What’s even more interesting, the mag points out, is that Swift was not even present at the ceremony, being in London on business. Still, she managed to convey all the emotion and joy she felt via satellite feed, thanks to acceptance speeches that did not fail to move fans to tears and then to loud applause. Taylor also remembered to honor and include in her happiness the other big winner of the night, the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

“To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson… is an unimaginable honor. I’m sending my love to the Jackson family.” Swift said at one point during the awards ceremony. Swift was named Favorite Artist of the Year, which virtually makes her the hottest female artist of the moment, but also Favorite Pop / Rock Female Artist, while also taking home the Favorite Country Album award for “Fearless.”

Michael Jackson too was honored with four awards, which marked yet another music ceremony dedicated to the late artist. Brother Jermaine Jackson accepted the awards, while sister Janet opened the ceremony with a medley of her biggest hits assorted with fiery choreography, again, dedicated in the memory of her late brother. “It’s not just about the winnings, the awards. It’s mainly the message. The message Michael had will live on forever. He saw good in everyone. … Start with love and let’s love each other,” Jermaine said in one of the acceptance speeches.

Michael was named Favorite Soul / R&B Artist and Favorite Pop / Rock Male Vocalist, and was awarded the Favorite Pop / Rock Album and Favorite Soul / R&B Album accolades, “both for Number Ones, giving him a record 23 AMAs over his career,” as People informs.

- Favorite Pop / Rock Band / Duo / Group – The Black Eyed Peas
- Favorite Country Band / Duo / Group – Rascal Flatts
- Favorite Alternative Artist – Green Day
- Favorite Country Male Artist – Keith Urban
- Favorite Soul / R&B Female Artist – Beyonce
- Breakthrough Artist Award – Gloriana International
- Artist of the Year – Whitney Houston
- Favorite Hip-Hop Male Artist – Jay-Z