Winners of the 36th annual American Music Awards (AMAs) were announced this evening in a star studded event hosted by late night talk show host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel.

The show was broadcast live by ABC from the NOKIA Theatre. The 2008 AMA’s were produced by dick clark productions. Producer was Larry Klein and executive producer was Orly Adelson, president of dick clark productions.

The biggest winners of the night were Chris Brown who won three awards including Favorite Artist of the Year and Alicia Keys, Rihanna and Kanye West, each taking home two AMA trophies.

Surprise guest Justin Timberlake was on hand to present the 2008 American Music Awards special “Award of Merit” to Annie Lennox honoring her work with the groundbreaking Eurythmics and her illustrious solo career. Additionally, Mariah Carey was recognized for becoming the solo artist with the most number one hits of all time.

Numerous friends of Miley Cyrus’ including Julianne Hough, Taylor Swift, her Father Billy Ray Cyrus and Jordin Sparks stunned Miley Cyrus back stage with a mini-party for her 16th birthday, which she celebrated this evening at the AMAs.

Prior to the show, ABC Premiered “2008 American Music Awards Red Carpet Live!” with hosts Carrie Ann Inaba and Chris Harrison; and special correspondents the Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Sherzinger, “Project Runway” season four winner Christian Siriano, and High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu. Highlights included a performance by David Cook, from the Red Carpet and interviews with Christina Aguilera, Jonas Brothers, Ne-Yo, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Colbie Caillat, New Kids on the Block, Leona Lewis, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.

Here’s Miley Cyrus performing Fly on the Wall and Taylor Swift performing White Horse.

Christina Aguilera performed a melody of hits including - Beautiful, Keeps Getting Better, Gennie in a Bottle, Dirrty, Aint No Other Man and Fighter and Pink performed her hit single, Sober, live during the American Music Awards.

The winners list is after the jump!

WINNERS OF THE “2008 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS:”

POP/ROCK
Favorite Male Artist: Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist: Rihanna
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Daughtry
Favorite Album: “As I Am” Alicia Keys

COUNTRY
Favorite Male Artist: Brad Paisley
Favorite Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Rascal Flatts
Favorite Album: “Carnival Ride” Carrie Underwood

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES
Favorite Male Artist: Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist: Rihanna
Favorite Album: “As I Am” Alicia Keys

RAP/HIP-HOP
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Three 6 Mafia
Favorite Male Artist: Kanye West
Favorite Album: “Graduation” Kanye West

ADULT CONTEMPORARY
Favorite Artist: Jordin Sparks

LATIN MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Enrique Iglesias

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Linkin Park

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL
Favorite Artist: Third Day

SOUNDTRACKS
Favorite Album: “Alvin and the Chipmunks”

T - Mobile FAVORITE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST (ALL GENRES)
Jonas Brothers