Kanye West's reason for throwing a tantrum was removed early last night as the rapper won his first American Music Awards, voted for by the buying public.

His CD, Graduation, won favourite rap/hip-hop album. If he was humbled by his win, he didn't show it in his grandiose acceptance speech.

"I'd like to thank everyone who accepted me trying to break new boundaries in music," said West.

"It's our responsibility as musicians to keep pushing each other ... We will be the new Beatles, the new (Jimi) Hendrix. I want to be Elvis."

He also won favourite rap/hip-hop male, but in a generous mood, he said he would give his trophy to best-selling rapper and fellow nominee Lil Wayne.

"If it was last year, it would have been my award," he said.

Four years ago, West threw one of his first awards-show tantrums when Gretchen Wilson beat him for favourite new artist, beginning what has become somewhat of a tradition at awards shows -- the Kanye outburst.

West was also set to take the stage to perform a song of his new CD, 808s & Heartbreak, during the performance-packed show.

The American Music Awards traditionally centres on its performances and it featured high energy sets from Ne-Yo and Miley Cyrus, though a pair of lacklustre medleys opened the program at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Christina Aguilera sung Madonna-style and the New Kids on the Block did an earlier version of themselves as each sang their latest singles and greatest hits.

Musical lovebirds Rihanna (Fenty) and Chris Brown captured the first two trophies of the night:

She won favourite female soul R&B artist and he won as favourite male pop rock artist.

Rihanna also won for favourite pop/rock female.

Alicia Keys won early in the show: favourite pop/rock album for As I Am.

"I'm very, very shocked and proud to be here," she said, dedicating her award "to all the incredible artists who are here tonight and who show their artistry."

Other early winners included Brad Paisley, for favourite country artist, Taylor Swift for favourite female country act and Rascal Flatts for favourite country band, duo or group.