Chris Brown scores triple awards win

Chris Brown was the big winner at last night's American Music Awards (AMA), picking up three gongs.

The R&B singer won Artist of the Year and Favourite Male Artist in both the Soul/R&B and Pop/Rock categories.

"I would've gave it to Coldplay - I'm at a loss for words," Brown said after picking up the prize for Artist of the Year.

Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Kanye West each scored an awards double. On collecting his award, West praised the public who had voted him Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and named Graduation Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Album.

"I'd like to thank everyone who accepted me trying to break new boundaries in music," he said.

Former Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox performed at the ceremony and was later given the award of merit.

"I never thought I would live to see the day that I could be 53 years old standing on a stage," she said after collecting her gong from Justin Timberlake.

"It's been an incredible journey. Music - my friend, my accompaniment through life."

For the second year running, winners were entirely determined by a public vote. Coldplay, who were nominated in four categories, failed to win any awards.