Grammy-winning singer Adele won 12 awards from 18 nominations for her juggernaut album "21," including top artist, top female artist, and top albumLMFAO, the uncle-nephew duo Redfoo and SkyBlu, picked up two awards — song of the year for "Party Rock Anthem" and the top duo/groupWiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown also took honors for top new artist, male artist of the year, and R&B artist of the year, respectively.

But, while the awards themselves are great, most people tune in for the performances. As usual, the stars didn't disappoint. Usher rocked the stage with a rousing performance of  "Scream." Chris Brown also performed "Turn Up the Music" after being intro-ed by a fresh-off-"The Game" Brandy. 

Perhaps the most moving parts of the show came with the tributes, as Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and others were honored. Wonder was given the Icon award and sang "Higher Ground" and "Overjoyed" with Alicia Keys, wrapping the set with "Superstition."

British pop star Natasha Bedingfield performed a brief tribute to the late disco star Donna Summer.

Wiz Khalifa paid tribute to late Beastie Boy Adam "MCA" Yauch, who passed away earlier this month after battling cancer, while Goodie Mob performed "Fight For Your Right" in Yauch's memory.

The biggest tribute of the night was for Whitney Houston. The late singer was posthumously given the Millennium award, while John Legend and Jordin Sparks led heartfelt renditions of "The Greatest Love of All" and "I Will Always Love You."

Patricia Houston and Bobbi Kristina accepted the award, with the late singer's emotional daughter saying "I'm just blessed to have been in such an incredible woman's life, there will never be another one ever."