American Music Awards: Ariana, JLo, Fergie turn up the heat on stage

One of those rare times when the stage truly trumped the red carpet and how!

The 42nd American Music Awards, held in Los Angeles, California, on November 23, felicitated some of music's finest of the year.

Katy Perry won big with three awards (Favourite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favourite Adult Contemporary Artist and Favourite Single for Dark Horse.

While One Direction was awarded the Artist of the Year, Beyonce snagged two awards: Favourite Female Soul/RnB Artist and Album.

Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer won the New Artist of the Year award while Iggy Azalea won the Favourtie Rap-Hip Hop artist of the Year.

Awards and accolades aside, the real highlight of the evening were the biggest music industry stars pulling out all stops for their stage performances while the red carpet was decidedly low on shock value and glamour.

Take a look at the headliners from the evening!

Ariana Grande 

The pint-sized pop star Ariana Grande shows what she's got during her performance.

Latina Jennifer Lopez shows off her limber moves during her Booty performance.

Iggy Azalea pole dances for maximum effect.

Taylor Swift gets rid of her long-ish skirt as part of her act.

While Grande reappears on stage with Nicki Minaj and Jessie J for another titillating turn.

Fergie flaunts her post-baby body in a printed number for her performance.

Meanwhile, British actress Kate Beckinsale turns up the charm in a flawless white number on the red carpet.

Singer Rita Ora stands out in her bright yellow gown.

Kardashian sisters -- Kendall Jenner, Khloe and Kylie Jenner -- were in attendance too.

German supermodel Heidi Klum was a sight in her cutout gown.

Singers Ne-Yo and Pitbull perform.