Michael Jackson Makes Music Awards History
The singer , who died in June at the age of 50, only just missed out on the night's top award - artist of the year - which went to Taylor Swift.
The 19-year-old country singer won five gongs at the ceremony which honours the year's top selling artists and is voted for by fans online.
Jackson was named favourite male artist in the Pop/Rock and Soul/R&B categories.
His hits collection Number Ones was named best album in both categories.
The singer's brother Jermaine accepted the trophies, wearing a glittery white glove in tribute.
"The message that Michael had, will live on forever," he said.
"He saw good in everyone and he wanted everyone to do good. He always started with love."
To add to the occasion, Jackson's sister Janet opened the show performing a medley of some of the biggest hits from her career.
Swift, who is currently in London, accepted her awards via satellite link.
She said she was honoured to be nominated alongside Jackson.
"Music has never been ultimately about competition.
"To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson, who we will miss and love forever, is an unimaginable honour."
Other winners of the night included Beyonce, Green Day, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z and Keith Urban who dedicated his award to wife, Nicole Kidman, and daughter, Sunday Rose.
Whitney Houston received the International Award of Excellence and performed I Didn't Know My Own Strength.
Jennifer Lopez may not have won an award but she pulled off the most talked-about performance.
Her complicated dance routine saw her fall over as she jumped from a human pyramid onto the stage, landing on her bottom.
The awards, which is as much famed for its performances as its prizes, also saw Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, Eminem and Shakira take to the stage.
