Taylor Swift has broken the record for the most American Music Award wins by a female artist

This means she has surpassed the late Whitney Houston's records and is just one win away from equalling the late Michael Jackson's overall record of 24 AMAs.

While accepting her award for Artist of the Year, Taylor - who opened the show at Los Angeles' Microsoft Theater with a performance of 'I Did Something Bad' - urged her fans to get out and vote, days after breaking her political silence for the first time on Instagram.

She said: "Thank you for this incredible symbol of encouragement. And I just wanted to make a mention of the fact that this award and every single award given out tonight were voted on by the people, and you know what else is voted on by the people - is the midterm elections on November 6. Get out and vote. I love you guys!"

And the 28-year-old star also teased she's heading for a "new chapter" in her life as she picked up the Favorite Album - Pop/Rock accolade for 'Reputation'.

She said: "Thank you a million times for this. This is actually the first time I ever wrote an album based on a title first... So the whole time I was writing an album based on all the facets of a reputation and how it affects you, what it actually means to you, I was surrounded by friends and family and loved ones, who never loved me less based on the fluctuations of public opinion.

"I always look at albums as chapters in my life. And to the fans, I'm so happy that you like this one.... But I have to be really honest with you about something: I'm even more excited about the next chapter."

Elsewhere at the ceremony - which was hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross - Camila Cabello also picked up four prizes, New Artist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year for 'Havana', which featured Young Thug, and Video of the Year and Favorite Song -- Pop/Rock for the same track.

Post Malone was named Favorite Male Artist - Pop/Rock and also took home Favorite Album - Rap/Hip-Hop for 'Beerbongs & Bentleys', while Migos were honoured with Favorite Duo or Group - Pop/Rock.

Cardi B scooped Favorite Artist - Rap/Hip-Hop and Favorite Song - Rap/Hip-Hop for 'Bodak Yellow' and her collaboration with Bruno Mars, 'Finesse', was named Favorite Song - Soul/R&B.

Khalid and Rihanna were named Favorite Male and Female Artist in the Soul/R&B division, while Panic! At the Disco - who performed a cover of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' at the ceremony - were Favorite Artist - Alternative and Shawn Mendes was honoured with Favorite Artist - Adult Contemporary.

As well as Taylor and Panic! At the Disco, performers at the AMAs this year included Cardi B and Carrie Underwood, and the evening ended with a tribute to the late Aretha Franklin that included a performance of 'Amazing Grace' from Gladys Knight, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, and musical director Rickey Minor.

American Music Awards 2018 selected list of winners:

Artist of the Year:

Taylor Swift

Favorite Female Artist Pop/Rock:

Taylor Swift

Favorite Male Artist Pop/Rock:

Post Malone

Favorite Duo/Group Pop/Rock:

Migos

Favorite Song Pop/Rock:

Camila Cabello, 'Havana'

Favorite Album Pop/Rock:

Taylor Swift, 'Reputation'

Favorite Female Artist Country:

Carrie Underwood

Favorite Male Artist Country:

Kane Brown

Favorite Duo/Group Country:

Florida Georgia Line

Favorite Song Country:

Kane Brown, 'Heaven'

Favorite Album Country:

Kane Brown, 'Kane Brown'

Favorite Artist Rap/Hip-Hop:

Cardi B

Favorite Male Artist Soul/R&B:

Khalid

Favorite Album Rap/Hip-Hop:

Post Malone, 'Beerbongs & Bentleys'

Favorite Song Rap/Hip-Hop:

Cardi B, 'Bodak Yellow'

Favorite Album Soul/R&B:

XXXTentacion,' 17'

Favorite Artist Adult Contemporary:

Shawn

Favorite Female Artist Soul R&B:

Rihanna

Favorite Song Soul/R&B:

Cardi B & Bruno Mars, 'Finesse' **WINNER**

Favorite Soundtrack:

'Black Panther'

Favorite Artist EDM:

Marshmello

Favorite Social Artist:

BTS

Favorite Music Video:

Camila Cabello, 'Havana'

Collaboration of the Year:

Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug, 'Havana'

New Artist of the Year:

Camila Cabello

Favorite Artist Contemporary Inspirational:

Lauren Daigle

Favorite Artist Latin:

Daddy Yankee

Favorite Artist Alternative Rock:

Panic! At The Disco

Tour of the Year:

Taylor Swift