AMAs 2013: Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and Taylor Swift Are Early Winners

The 'Mirrors' singer nabs the first award of the night, Favorite Male Artist in Pop/Rock, while the Bajan beauty is named Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist.

The 2013 American Music Awards has been officially kicked off with Katy Perry opening the ceremony. She performed her latest single "Unconditionally" from new album "Prism" in a Japanese concept stage.

After a monologue by host Pitbull, Taylor Swift came out to present the first award of the night: Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist. Taking the nod was Justin Timberlake, who edged out Bruno Mars and Robin Thicke. It marked the third time he nabbed the award in the same category.

One Direction catered the crowd with their new ballad "The Story of My Life" before Zoe Saldana and Marc Anthony announced Soul/R&B Female Artist, which went to Rihanna. Ciara and Alicia Keys were vying for the same title.

It wasn't long before Swift herself took home a trophy. The country music darling won Favorite Album for her chart-topping record, "Red". In her acceptance speech, she credited her fans for allowing her to make a different kind of album with "Red".

Rap duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis has also won an award, snatching Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album which was presented by Akon and Michael Bolton. They defeated other strong contenders including Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar for the prize.

Delivering their "thank you" message from Miami as he and his partner could not attend the event, Macklemore quoted Martin Luther King, Jr. in his acceptance speech, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." He also urged people to fight against racism, saying, "This is really happening...it's time we look out for the youth and fight against racism and the laws that protect it."

More winners will be announced while the likes of Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, Lady GaGa and Ariana Grande are slated to deliver musical performances. The ceremony is currently taking place at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre.