2008 American Music Awards

“This is the first year the fans voted... so thank you to them,” announced Rihanna (in Zac Posen), as she accepted her first American Music Award of the night for Favorite Female Soul/RampB Artist. The megastar also won Favorite Female Pop/Rock Artist and finished off the evening in a leather corset and chains as she performed her latest single, “Rehab.”

-Lindzi Scharf

The fans cried out for the Jonas Brothers as they made their way down the red carpet. But what was the trio most looking forward to at the AMAs? “Kanye West,” said Joe.

The show hit a high note when Alicia Keys performed "Superwoman" with both Queen Latifah and opera star Kathleen Battle (not shown). Keys walked away with two awards-Favorite Pop/Rock Album and Favorite Soul/R&B Album-and proudly dedicated them "to all the superwomen."

Justin Timberlake made a surprise appearance, presenting the special Award Of Merit to legendary singer Annie Lennox.

Miley Cyrus was surrounded by famous friends, and her mother Leticia, while celebrating her 16th birthday backstage at the AMAs. After she blew out her candles, it was back to work for the birthday girl who performed her single, "Fly on the Wall." And what did the megastar get for her sweet sixteen? "A recording studio!" said proud papa, Billy Ray Cyrus (not shown).

Beyonce revealed her fit physique, in an Armani Prive satin jacket and little else, while she performed her hit song, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)."

"It was just incredible," says Chris Brown, the stunned winner of three AMAs, including Artist of the Year. "I thought Coldplay should have genuinely won the award but I'll take it!"

Leona Lewis (in a Jenny Packham dress) posed with fellow glamorous songstress Pink on the red carpet. Once inside Lewis pleased the crowd with her hit "Better in Time," while Pink sang her new single "Sober" before hitting the stage a second time with Sarah McLachlan (not shown).

Mariah Carey's doting husband, Nick Cannon escorted the singer down the steps as she performed, "I Stay in Love." Mimi also took home an honorary award for Favorite Female Artist.

"This is the first AMA I've ever won!" said an ecstatic Taylor Swift (in a Collette Dinnigan dress and Christian Louboutin heels), as she accepted the award for Favorite Female Country Artist. "I saw my name on the ballot, but didn't think I had a chance of winning. I can't believe that I did it!"

AMA winner Jordin Sparks (in Dolce & Gabbana), with fellow pop singer Natasha Bedingfield, has a long list of artists she'd like to collaborate with next. "I'd love to work with Chris Brown again! And David Archuletta, and Pink, Leona Lewis and Steven Tyler from Aerosmith!"

Christina Aguilera walked the red carpet in a lacy Elie Saab dress and jewels by Stephen Webster and Garrard. The singer then headed inside for a quick change before she opened the show with a six-song medley, including her latest hit, "Keeps Gettin' Better."