Keith Urban took out the favourite male country artist award at the star-studded American Music Awards.

Urban, a New Zealand-born Australian, touched hearts around the world when he voiced his devotion to movie actress wife Nicole Kidman. Upon accepting the award, he said: “To my wife, I just love you so much, baby girl. This is for you and Sunday.”

The show, where Taylor Swift swept honours and Michael Jackson was remembered, took place at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

Kidman was said to beam from the front row. She has been at Urban’s side on numerous recent engagements and has accompanied him on the Vancouver leg of his ongoing world tour.

Swift, just 19, snapped up no less than five awards including artist of the year. Michael Jackson made posthumous history by winning four awards, including favourite male artist.

Other winners included hip-hop acts Jay-Z and the Black Eyed Peas.

Swift’s 2008 album, titled Fearless, was the bestselling release in the US this year and was named the favourite country album.