The ladies dominated the 2011 American Music Awards in L.A. last night with Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez picking up a coveted award.

Young Money rapper Nicki Minaj opened the show at the Nokia Theatre in her typical rip roaring fashion with David Guetta and then later returned to the stage to pick up awards for Favourite Album for Pink Friday and Favourite Artist in the Rap/Hip-Hop category.

The 28-year-old said to the crowd upon receiving her prize, “There's so much love in this room.”

Not all of the winners were able to attend the show with Bajan superstar Rihanna accepting her award for Favourite Soul/ R&B album for Loud via videolink as she was in London performing on The X Factor.

Beyoncé also gave her thanks for winning Favourite Female Artist in the Soul/R’n’B category in a special pre-recorded message with 'OMG' star Usher winning the Male prize in the same category.

Have a look at some of the best bits in our gallery below…

American Music Awards 2011 Highlights - Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Drake and more...