Taylor Swift wins early American Music Awards

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Country starlet Taylor Swift won two early prizes at the American Music Awards on Sunday, and accepted her honours live via satellite from backstage at London's Wembley Arena.

Swift, 19, who leads the contenders with six nominations, was named favourite female artist in the pop/rock category and favourite adult-contemporary artist -- tributes to her wide crossover appeal.

Swift was the biggest selling artist in the United States last year and her album "Fearless" is this year's No. 1 album.

Swift, who was rehearsing for a show at the London venue on Monday, thanked her fans. "I will never be able to say how much I love you," she said.

Other prominent nominees include Michael Jackson, with five nominations, and rapper Eminem with four. Jackson died of an overdose nearly five months ago.

"There's never a wrong way to do something that's so right and righteous. He paved the way," said former "American Idol" judge Paul Abdul, who once worked as Jackson's choreographer.

"There's no one that's ever been able to wow audiences quite like Michael, and I don't think there will ever be someone as magical.

Both Swift and Jackson will compete for artist of the year, the event's final award, along with pop star Lady Gaga, Eminem and rock band Kings of Leon.

Eminem is making a rare awards-show appearance.

Other early winners included hip-hop act Black Eyed Peas as favourite group in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories.

Rascal Flatts was named best country group for the fourth year in a row. Punk rock trio Green Day was named favourite alternative artist

Nominees are determined by radio airplay and retail sales, while members of the public determine the winners through online voting. That's why Jackson got so many nominations, even though he did not release any new material.

Fans have scooped up his hit albums since his death.

Performers included Jackson's kid sister, Janet Jackson, who performed a medley of her hits; rock band Daughtry; Colombian pop diva Shakira; and pop star Kelly Clarkson.