Michael Jackson Receives Four Posthumous Prizes at the American Music Awards 2009

Michael Jackson has made history by winning four posthumous prizes at the American Music Awards.

Photo: Michael Jackson Receives Four Posthumous Prizes at the American Music Awards 2009

Michael Jackson Receives Four Posthumous Prizes at the American Music Awards 2009

The wins made Jackson, who died in June at the age of 50, the most honoured artist in the ceremony's history with a career total of 23 accolades. But country star Taylor Swift was the big winner on the night, winning five prizes including artist of the year, BBC News reports.

Jackson won four trophies: Favorite Soul/R&B Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Vocalist and Favorite Pop/Rock Album and Favorite Soul/R&B Album, both for Number Ones, giving him a record 23 AMAs over his career.

"It's not just about the winnings, the awards," his brother Jermaine said in an acceptance speech. "It's mainly the message. The message Michael had will live on forever. He saw good in everyone. … Start with love and let's love each other." Sister Janet Jackson got a standing ovation when she opened the show with a choreographed-heavy medley of her hits.

But the applause for Jackson turned into shock and awe by the end of the show, when American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert took the stage in a silver suit and cane to close out the night. The pompadoured and glammed-out singer gyrated against his dancers and kissed a male band member. The spectacle instantly lit up Twitter as fans debated whether he was a fresh match for Lady Gaga or too unseasoned for such a prime gig, People Magazine informs.

Taylor Swift won in five categories -- including overall artist of the year -- at the 2009 American Music Awards presented Sunday (Nov. 22) at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Swift was in London for rehearsals for Monday's (Nov. 23) concert at Wembley Arena and accepted three of the fan-voted awards via satellite. The other artist of the year nominees were Kings of Leon, Lady Gaga, Eminem.

"Music has never been, ultimately, about competition," Swift said in accepting the night's top honor. "To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson -- who we'll miss and love forever -- is an unimaginable honor. I just want to say I'm sending my love to the Jackson family and Janet for reaching out to me the way that you have.

"And to the fans, you have given me so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and I hope you guys have an awesome Thanksgiving. I miss and I love you , " according to CMT.com