They call it the American Music Awards but last night two of Canada's youthful new millennium stars stole the most trophies.

Between them, Justin Bieber and Drake split the bounty, winning four awards each during Sunday's fan-voted show created by Dick Clark in 1973 for ABC when the network's contract to air the Grammy Awards expired.

Bieber beat out Drake in all four categories he won, including Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist, Favourite Song for "Love Yourself" and Favourite Pop/Rock Album for Purpose. The comeback kid also stole the Video of the Year trophy from contenders Drake and Rihanna with his Toronto-shot  "Sorry" music clip. Unable to make the show in Los Angeles, a satellite link allowed him to perform "Let Me Love You" from his world tour stop in Zurich last night.

Drake went into the evening with 13 AMA nominations, beating out Michael Jackson's record for most at a single ceremony.

Though the night was not his alone to own,  Drizzy captured the Rap Hip-hop categories, winning trophies in the Favourite Artist Rap/Hip Hop, Favourite Album Rap/Hip Hop (for Views) and Favourite Song Rap/Hip Hop (for "Hotline Bling"). He also won Favourite Song Soul/R&B for his collaboration with Rihanna on "Work."

In his acceptance speech for Favourite Album Rap/Hip Hop, Drake gave a shoutout to his hometown and fellow Degrassi star Nina Dobrev, who presented the award.

"I really want to thank everybody who helped me make this album ... I want to thank the city of Toronto, and of course I want to thank the fans and my parents. My dad's here tonight," he said.

The Weeknd and Shawn Mendes, who was up for New Artist of the Year along with fellow Canuck Alessia Cara, performed at the event at Microsoft Theater, but ultimately were shut out in winning gongs Sunday night.  

Rihanna took home three AMA awards of her own: Favourite Female Artist Soul/R&B, Favourite Album Soul/R&B for Anti and the previously mentioned Favourite Song Soul/R&B award for "Work" with Drake.

Ariana Grande won the show's top prize — Artist of the Year — beating out Bieber, Selena Gomez, Rihanna and Carrie Underwood. She also performed a racy version of her hit "Side to Side" alongside Nicki Minaj.

Other big-name performers included John Legend, Maroon 5, The Chainsmokers and Sting, who received the American Music Award of Merit. 

The American political landscape was addressed by Green Day who got political during their performance of "Bang Bang" as band leader Billie Joe Armstrong sang "No KKK, no fascist USA, no Trump."

Full list of winners:

Artist of the Year: Ariana Grande

New Artist of the Year: Zayn

Collaboration of the Year: Work from Home, Fifth Harmony with Ty Dolla $ign

Tour of the Year: Beyoncé

Video of the Year: Sorry, Justin Bieber

Pop/Rock Female Artist: Selena Gomez

Pop/Rock Male Artist: Justin Bieber

Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group: Twenty One Pilots

Pop/Rock Song: "Love Yourself," Justin Bieber​

Pop/Rock Album: Purpose, Justin Bieber

Country Female Artist: Carrie Underwood

Country Male Artist: Blake Shelton

Country Band, Duo or Group: Florida Georgia Line

Country Song:  "Humble and Kind,"  Tim McGraw

Country Album: Storyteller, Carrie Underwood

Rap/Hip-hop Artist: Drake

Rap/Hip-hop Song: "Hotline Bling," Drake

Rap/Hip-hop Album: Views, Drake

Soul/R&B Female Artist: Rihanna

Soul/R&B Male Artist: Chris Brown

Soul/R&B Song: "Work," Rihanna with Drake

Soul/R&B Album: Anti, Rihanna

Alternative Rock Artist: Twenty One Pilots

Adult Contemporary Artist: Adele

Latin Artist: Enrique Iglesias

Contemporary inspirational Artist: Hillsong United

Electronic Dance Music Artist: The Chainsmokers

Soundtrack: Purple Rain

Award of merit: Sting

-- Sources: Various, including CBC News