Nicki Minaj Wins Big At AMAs

The 2011 American Music Awards had a lot of glitz and glamour, but very little of the cache that the show once claimed in its heyday. Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez were the big winners at the show, which featured a somewhat surprising number of no-shows this year.

Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull performed their club hit "On the Floor" and Lopez also performed with will.i.am on his new track "THE (The Hardest Ever.)" Nicki beat out Kanye West & Jay-Z to take home 'Best Hip Hop Album' for her 2010 debut Pink Friday. The Young Money diva also won 'Best Hip Hop Artist' gave one of the show's earliest performances, taking the stage alongside David Guetta to perform "Super Bass" and "Turn Me On."

Chris Brown, who was introduced by 50 Cent, also gave a high-tech performance of his hits "All Back” and “Say It With Me." Pop superstar Justin Bieber gave a somewhat-awkward Christmas-themed performance.

Jay-Z and Kanye were not in attendance, nor was Rihanna; as these artists were all on tours. Beyonce also did not attend. Both Rihanna and Beyonce won awards, however: Rihanna took home Favorite Soul/R&B Album for Loud and Beyoncé won Favorite Soul/R&B Female artist.

Sean Kingston also made an appearance--his first major appearance since recovering from a jet ski accident this summer.