Beyoncé won the most trophies ever by a female artist in one year as she dominated the 52nd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, but she lost album of the year to young country queen Taylor Swift. Swift hopped with delight as she accepted the award, the final prize of the evening.

The R&B diva entered the night with 10 nominations and won six times, including song of the year for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," contemporary R&B album for "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" and pop vocalist for "Halo." Only Michael Jackson and Carlos Santana, tied with eight, have won more on one night.

Among female Grammy winners, Beyoncé's 16 career awards ranks third, behind Alison Krauss (26) and Aretha Franklin (18).

Swift, second with eight nominations, won three times, for album ("Fearless"), country vocal performance ("White Horse") and country album ("Fearless").

Rockers Kings of Leon bested Beyoncé when "Use Somebody" won record of the year.

It was also a banner night for first-time winners: In addition to Swift, pop sensation Lady Gaga, who was nominated five times and opened the show in a duet with Elton John, won three times; neo-soulster Maxwell, up for six, won twice, including R&B album ("BLACKsummers'night").

Country upstarts Zac Brown Band won best new artist, and TV host Stephen Colbert won for comedy album. Top rap album went to Eminem ("Relapse"), and Green Day won rock album ("21st Century Breakdown").

Jason Mraz won for male pop vocalist, and Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna won for rap-sung collaboration with "Run This Town."

The Recording Academy finally voted an award to heavy-metal rockers AC/DC, who had received seven nominations since 1989 but had never won. That streak ended as "War Machine" (from the band's "Black Ice" album) won hard-rock performance.

Michael Jackson and Les Paul received posthumous all-star tributes.

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Audio intervew: Daniel Ho talks about winning fifth Grammy