Justin Bieber Wins Favorite Pop/Rock Album and Artist of the Year (American Music Awards 2012)

Justin Bieber swept the American Music Awards on Sunday, topping strong competition from Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, and sending newcomers British boybands One Direction and The Wanted home empty-handed. Bieber, 18, won all three categories in which he was nominated, including the night’s biggest award, artist of the year, over Rihanna, Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Drake.

“I want to say this is for all the haters who that I was just here for one or two years. I feel like I’m going to be here for a very long time.” Justin also thanking his mom, manager, family and “beautiful, beautiful fans.”who accompanied him after his widely reported split from girlfriend Selena Gomez.

“It’s hard growing up with everything going on, with everyone watching me. I wanted to say that as long as you guys keep believing in me, I want to always make you proud,” Bieber said at the end of the night. Bieber, who also won favorite pop/rock male artist and favorite pop/rock album for Believe, took to a bare stage to sing an acoustic stripped-down version of his latest single As Long As You Love Me before livening up the show with Nicki Minaj for Beauty and a Beat.