23 November 2009
Michael Jackson has made history by winning four posthumous prizes at the American Music Awards. 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.
Jackson was named best pop/rock male artist and best soul/R&B male artist at Sunday's ceremony in Los Angeles. His greatest hits compilation Number Ones also won the best album award in the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories.
The late star's trophies were accepted by his brother Jermaine, who said his sibling's message "would live on forever". "He saw good in everyone and he wanted everyone to do good," said the Jackson 5 singer. "He always started with love."
Swift also paid tribute to Jackson as she accepted her awards by satellite from London. "To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson, who we will miss and love forever, is an unimaginable honour," she said as she received the event's top award.
Swift also paid tribute to Jackson as she accepted her awards by satellite from London. "To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson, who we will miss and love forever, is an unimaginable honour," she said as she received the event's top award.