No wonder the cat looks sad! Miley Cyrus performs in a skintight bikini in front of a giant feline at the AMAs... but at least she's not twerking

If it was a celebration of who wears the least amount of clothing in the pop - Miley Cyrus certainly walked home as the winner at the American Music Awards on Sunday night.
Performing her power ballad Wrecking Ball, the 20-year-old's impressive live vocals were overshadowed by the fact she was stripped to her underwear.
Wearing a kitten-print pair of undergarments, Miley continued to shock as she strutted around the stage.

Hello Kitty! Miley Cyrus dons a skintight bikini to perform next to a giant cat at the AMAs... but at least she didn't twerk

She had arrived in a white trouser suit, suggesting that she was planning to smarten up her image a bit.
But the former Disney star proved that her provocative stage presence is here to stay.
Standing on stage behind a gigantic cat that looked on the verge of tears, Miley belted out the notes of the song, that is rumoured to be inspired by her break-up with Liam Hemsworth.

#SadCat. Miley performs in skintight bikini in front of kitty

Tearful performance: At one point, Miley herself seemed to well up as she performed in front of a giant weeping cat

Not a happy kitty: Miley performs in front of a feline friend who could rival Grumpy Cat in the misery stakes

No wonder the cat's crying! Miley Cyrus dons a skintight bikini to perform next to a giant feline who looks somewhat depressed

What's new pussycat? Miley Cyrus was typically trashy in her stage appearance on Sunday night

Wrecking smalls: Miley's underwear made sure that no attention was paid to her singing abilities

The young singer flaunted her figure around stage too, turning around to show the back of her bikini outfit.
But what she lacked in the wardrobe department, Miley certainly made up for in the accessories department.
Miley sported huge perspex earrings and bangles that looked to be seriously weighing her down.

Too risque for TV? Miley Cyrus was filmed from the waist upwards during most of her performance at the AMAs

Something missing: Miley hit all the right notes for her song Wrecking Ball but her clothes were MIA

Putting her two fingers up: Miley Cyrus clearly doesn't have any time for critics who think her performances are too raunchy

Interestingly it seemed that Miley's outfit was too much at time for producers of the show, who filmed her from the waist upwards.
At one point, Miley caught her breath and looked as though she was about to break down in tears but managed to keep her composure as she hit the final high note.
Meanwhile Miley's pop rivals were significantly less raunchy.

Someone forgot their clothes! Miley Cyrus reveals a little too much as she performs in her smalls once again at the AMAs

Belting it out: Miley's powerful vocals were overshadowed by lack of clothes

Some things never change: Miley certainly didn't disappoint fans of her ever-present tongue

Wink wink: Even the cat couldn't resist poking fun at Miley by sticking its tongue out

Looking like a princess out of a classic anime drawing, Katy Perry offered a visual feast for viewers at the top of Sunday night's American Music Awards.
Katy wore a traditional Japanese dress during her show-starting performance of Unconditionally as scores of colorfully costumed dancers waved fans, danced in front of rice-paper screens and played the drums.
Katy was the early focal point of the awards show, held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, arriving on the red carpet in a black strapless dress to screams from hundreds of fans.

Memoirs of a geisha: Singer Katy Perry performs onstage during the 2013 American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre LA

Covered up: Unlike her pop rivals, Katy Perry decided to keep her clothes on for the performance

Playing dress up: Katy took to the stage in traditional Japanese clothes as she performed her song Unconditionally

But Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus were still to come.
Host Pitbull joked that AMA stood for "A Miracle, America, that I'm here tonight," before Taylor Swift gave away the first award - to pop/rock favorite male artist to Timberlake.
Despite it being her year, Taylor Swift looked genuinely surprised to scoop Country Album of the Year for Red.
Dressed in gold, Taylor gushed: 'This is because of the fans. I cannot believe that six million people went out and bought this, that means a lot. Thank you, you mean everything to me.'

Showgirl: Katy Perry belts out her latest hit Unconditionally... would could be about her beau John Mayer

Roar-ing success: Katy performs yet another hit from her new album Prism

You're going to see me Tour! Katy will no doubt bring her geisha stage costumes when she begins playing concert dates later this year

Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband Marc Anthony won Favourite Latin Artist.
Accepting his award, the singer said: 'Just because you're alive doesn't mean you're living. Don't forgt to live.'
J-Lo was also in the house, and no doubt the friendly exes managed to catch up backstage.

Winning formula: Taylor Swift accepts the Favorite Country Album award for Red and thanked her fans for their support

Golden girl: Taylor Swift shimmered as she accepted her award on stage

Nicole Richie and Kelly Osbourne took to the stage to present One Direction with an award.
Amazingly, the band won the award for best Pop and Rock album.
Keeping with the theme of speeches for the night, the band thanked their fans for their support, and Simon Cowell of course.

I don't believe it! Justin Timberlake accepts Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist award onstage looking dapper in a suit and bow-tie

Helpful advice: Marc Anthony told the audience 'don't forget to live' as he accepted the Favorite Latin Artist

Rather than thanking a list of friends and colleagues, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis used their American Music Awards acceptance speech to send a message of tolerance.
Ben Haggerty, the rapper known as Macklemore, accepted the award for favorite rap/hip-hop album, then quoted Martin Luther King Jr. in a live satellite feed from the rap group's latest tour stop.
'Due to the fact that we are in Florida tonight accepting this award I want to acknowledge Trayvon Martin and the hundreds and hundreds of kids each year that are dying due to racial profiling and the violence that follows it,' he said.

Howdy there: Ke$ha performed with rapper Pitbull and appeared to be dressed as a cowgirl

The whole package: Pitbull performs his song Timber with Ke$ha at the 41st American Music Awards in Los Angeles

Fangirl: Taylor was visibly excited to see that Justin Timberlake had won an award and posed with him backstage

One man band: Interestingly, Justin Timberlake won the award for Soul and R&B

'This is really happening. These are our friends, our neighbors, our peers and our fans, and it's time that we look out for the youth and fight against racism and the laws that protect it.'
Florida became a focal point after Martin's killer was freed under the state's stand your ground law.
It was the first win of the night for Macklemore and Lewis, whose album The Heist has been an unexpected hit and made them the AMA's top nominees with six.

Reunion: Rapper Lil Mama performs Waterfalls with singers Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins and Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas of TLC

Legend: An image of Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes was flashed up at the end of their performance

The award for longest acceptance speech went to Rihanna, who was given the Icon award.
Overwhelmed by the fact her mother Monica Braithwaite gave her the award, Rihanna took a trip down memory lane revealing her road to stardom.
Rihanna's mother gave a touching intro, praising her daughter for being 'strong'.

Shining bright: Rihanna accepts the award for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist at the 41st AMAs

Tribute: Rihanna's mother Monica Braithwaite payed a touching tribute to her daughter and presented her with the Icon Award

Sealed with a kiss: Rihanna gives a lengthy speech spurred on by her mother Monica

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'Can we talk about how cute Rihanna's mom is?' Justin Timberlake asked while accepting one of his three awards, before oddly affecting a Caribbean accent.
'She's so proud of the Icon. I am too, Rihanna, I love you.'
Rihanna was one of the night's early competitive winners as well. She took favorite soul/R&B female artist.
Justin won soul/R&B album, soul/R&B male artist and pop/rock male artist.

Different style: Presenters Kelly Osbourne and Nicole Richie seemed to go for opposite looks as they awarded One Direction with a gong

Where are the Fashion Police? Kelly was not joined by her colleague Joan Rivers, instead sharing the stage with Nicole Richie

Stylish support: Heidi Klum wowed in a black laced gown as she took to the stage to present an award

Special night: Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson were thrilled to accept the award for Best Album

Dunce: Louis Tomlinson - clearly the life and soul of the band - plays around with the trophy at the event

This one's for you, Kendall! Harry Styles sings his heart out on stage with Liam Payne at the American Music Awards

While Katy was the early focal point of the awards show, she was easily eclipsed by divas Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez, who also performed.
Katy said before the show she wanted to up her game, given the chance to open, and the whirling stage production was a wash of colors and movements before she disappeared in a puff of smoke.
One Direction were at times drowned out by screams during an understated performance of Story of My Life.

Mr President! Lady Gaga, 27, played sexy secretary to R. Kelly's cigar-smoking president in their AMA performance of Do What U Want on Sunday

Do What U Want! Gaga looked reminiscent of another presidential favourite, Marilyn Monroe, with coiffured hair and a sparkly silver number

Up close and personal: The talented duo got raunchy on the presidential desk

The decibel level was that way from the moment the British boy band arrived on the carpet, all smiles and dapper suits. Harry Styles stopped to take a picture with three fans.
Billy Ray Cyrus also mingled with fans, signing autographs and taking photos.
Many wondered how his daughter, Miley, would close things down with the final performance of the night. Most of the year's top performers were scheduled to take the stage, and Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line were still to come.

Change up: The former Mickey Mouse Club member swapped her sexy white dress for a subdued black one to perform Say Something during the show

Clean slate: The singer toned down her hair and makeup to sing the touching ballad

Collaboration: Christina teamed with the indie band A Great Big World on the song

Miley has shown herself adept at upping the ante in an especially memorable year that's included some brinksmanship, a few totally odd moments and plenty of skin.
Lady Gaga performed her song Do What U Want with R Kelly, who was dressed up as the president, while Gaga played his secretary.
The pair joked about on stage, playing secret lovers, with R Kelly smoking a cigar at his desk.
Gaga stripped down to a silver leotard for the performance, which ended with a piano-led element to the song.

Paying homage: Jennifer Lopez performed a tribute to singer Celia Cruz and got a standing ovation from the audience, including an excited Justin Timberlake

Showstopper: Jennifer Lopez looked stunning as she showed off her figure in a sparkling leotard

Wowing the crowds: J-Lo certainly looked years younger that her 44-years as she took to the stage

Walking on air: J-Lo gave an energetic performance, and was no doubt cheered on by ex-husband Marc Anthony who was in attendance

WINNERS LIST - 2013 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

Up and coming: Ariana Grande won Kohl's New Artist of the Year award at the event

Favorite Male Artist, Pop/Rock
Justin Timberlake
Favorite Female Artist, Soul/R&B
Rihanna

Favorite Album, Country
Taylor Swift/Red
Favorite Album, Rap/Hip-Hop
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis/The Heist

Favorite Artist, Alternative Rock
Imagine Dragons

Favorite Artist, Latin
Marc Anthony
Favorite Album, Pop/Rock
One Direction/Take Me Home
New Artist of the Year
Ariana Grande
Favorite Male Artist, Soul/R&B
Justin Timberlake
Favorite Female Artist, Country
Taylor Swift
Single of the Year
"Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line, featuring Nelly

Beyond a joke: Justin collects yet more awards for his music

Favorite Album, Soul/R&B
Justin Timberlake/The 20/20 Experience
Favorite Artist, Electronic Dance Music
Avicii
Favorite Male Artist, Country
Luke Bryan
Favorite Band, Duo or Group, Pop/Rock
One Direction
Artist of the Year 
Taylor Swift

Favorite Female Artist, Pop or Rock
Taylor Swift
Favorite Band, Duo or Group, Country
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Favorite Artist, Adult Contemporary
Maroon 5

Favorite Artist, Contemporary Inspirational
Matthew West

Top Soundtrack
Pitch Perfect