The 2008 American Music Awards (on ABC last night) was a event of firsts. Many of the artists like (Rihanna and Kanye West) nominated picked up their first AMA’s. Everyone big in the music business was on the scene to pick up their award and they also hit the stage.

Rihanna (in a ruffled Zac Posen dress) walked away with two AMA’s for “Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist” and “Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist.” She (in Alexander McQueen thigh-high boots) hit the stage to perform “Rehab” without disappointedly Justin Timberlake.

Kanye West picked up one for Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Male Artist. His 2007 album, “Graduation” won favorite rap/hip-hop album. He (in his clothing line design Pastelle) even compared himself to Elvis during his acceptance speech. ‘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.”

Beyonce Knowles did not attend the red carpet arrivals but she let her alter-ego Sasha Fierce performed her hit, “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” in a black and white silk Armani Privé jacket. Sasha had the crowd on their feet!

Nick Cannon escorted his wife Mariah Carey down the flight of stairs before her performance of “I Stay In Love.” Mariah (in Dolce & Gabbana) picked up top honors (re: honorary award for Favorite Female Artist) for her record breaking music career at the awards.

Pussycat Dolls hit the stage to perform “When I Grow Up” and “Hate This Part.” Project Runway finalist Christian Siriano dressed the Dolls for their red carpet appearance. Nicole Scherzinger’s pose with the popular Project Runway contestant.

Leona Lewis (in Jenny Packham) and Pink (in Vivienne Westwood) both hit the stage to perform their hit singles. Pink performed twice and she did a duet with Sarah McLachlan. Leona performed her current single “Better in Time.”

The Alicia Keys “Superwoman” remix performance with Kathleen Battle and Queen Latifah was refreshing . Alicia Keys mixed rap and R&B with classical music and the combination was quite pleasant. I even overlooked the fact that Latifah’s mic wasn’t on when she first hit the stage.

Chris Brown picked up two AMA’s for Artist of The Year and (wait for it) Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist. Visit here for the complete winner’s list. Catch all the live performances over at Mr. World Premiere. (Photo credits: Rihanna Daily, Beyonce World, Wireimage, Getty, Celebutopia)