Singer Rihanna poses backstage at the 41st American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California November 24, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]

RIHANNA, GAGA, CYRUS LEAD PERFORMERS

Photos: 41st American Music Awards

R&B singer Rihanna, 25, was given the first ever Icon accolade at the American Music Awards, introduced by political satirist Bill Maher as "the voice of the 21st Century."

After performing her single "Diamonds," Rihanna, dressed in a plunging black dress, was given the Icon award by her mother Monica Fenty, who praised the singer in an emotional speech.

"I know the journey and your career has not always been an easy one but tonight I applaud and admire you for being so strong and so positive and so humble and so focused. It's amazing how you always manage to take the good from your experiences," Fenty said.

Rihanna, who has sold 50 million albums across the world and is the best-selling digital artist in history, also picked up the favorite female soul/R&B award.

Some of pop music's biggest names performed at the ceremony, including Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and Christina Aguilera. Notably absent was last year's big winner Justin Bieber, who failed to score any nominations this year.

Perry kicked off the show with a performance of the single "Unconditionally" from her album "Prism" on an elaborate geisha-themed stage.