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The singer, who cancelled her appearance at the awards show after splitting from husband Russell Brand, earned five awards throughout the evening, taking home the prizes for 'Favourite TV Guest Star', 'Favourite Female Artist', 'Favourite Song of the Year', 'Favourite Music Video' and 'Favourite Tour Headliner'.
Meanwhile, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 earned four awards. The final instalment in the Harry Potter series was chosen for 'Favourite Movie', 'Favourite Action Movie', 'Favourite Book Adaptation' and 'Favourite Ensemble Movie Cast'.
Host Kaley Cuoco kicked off the awards ceremony from Los Angeles. The show opened with a taped segment featuring the cast of The Big Bang Theory, including Cuoco.
While in character as Penny, Cuoco received a phone call telling her that she had been selected to serve as a seat filler. The actress arrived on the scene of the People's Choice Awards, only to be told by Betty White that she had been hired to host the show.
How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris - who won the 'Favourite TV Comedy Actor' award, also featured in the opening segment
Vampire Diaries actress Nina Dobrev earned a surprising victory, taking home the prize for Favourite TV Drama Actress'. Dobrev admitted that initially she had not even been nominated for the award.
Emma Stone took home the night's first two awards for 'Favourite Movie Actress' and 'Favourite Comedic Movie Actress'.
Meanwhile, Demi Lovato was named 'Favourite Pop Artist' and took to the stage to perform her song 'Give Your Heart a Break'.
Maroon 5 were named 'Favourite Band', prompting Adam Levine to enthusiastically declare: "Thank you, Mum and Dad, for making me."
Water for Elephants earned the prize for 'Favourite Drama Movie'. Robert Pattinson was on hand to accept the award, thanking fans for their support.
Castle star Nathan Fillion won the award 'Favourite TV Drama Actor'. He poked fun at the show's Waterford Crystal trophy, which he believed resembled a "giant crystallized tear". Meanwhile, Castle was also named 'Favourite TV Crime Drama'.
Bridesmaids triumphed in the 'Favourite Comedy Movie' category, which prompted producer Judd Apatow and the cast to launch into a rendition of Wilson Phillips' 'Hold On'.
Morgan Freeman took home the first ever 'Favourite Movie Icon' award, beating out George Clooney, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford and Tom Hanks. He thanked his fans for taking the time to vote.
The telecast ended with Red Tails stars Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr presenting the prize for 'Favourite Network TV Comedy' to the cast and crew of How I Met Your Mother.
More from the People's Choice Awards 2012
> Betty White gets standing ovation at People's Choice Awards 2012
> Jane Lynch blasts Kim Kardashian, Ashton Kutcher at PCAs 2012
> People's Choice Awards 2012 - The winners
Browse a gallery of images from the People's Choice Awards below:
