Zayn accepts the award for new artist of the year at the 2016 American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, November 20, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

"It's been a crazy year... I didn't expect anyone to still vote for me," said Zayn, who now uses only his first name.

British singer Sting, who last week released his first pop/rock album in a decade, 57th and 9th, sang a medley of his hits and was presented with an honorary award recognizing his contribution to the music industry.

Sting said he owed a debt to American rock and roll, adding "While I may be an Englishman in New York, my musical soul is all American."

Bieber performed Never Give Up via satellite from a concert in Italy and won awards for best pop/rock male artist, album, song and video.

Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, Niall Horan, James Bay and John Legend were among the dozens of other performers on the Los Angeles stage.

The American Music Awards were created in 1973 as an alternative to the Grammys.