LAS VEGAS, May 26 (Reuters) - Folk-pop singer Gracie

Abrams, Latin artist Becky G and R&B star SZA claimed some of

the first awards on Monday at the fan-voted American Music

Awards in Las Vegas.

"That's So True" singer Abrams, winner of new artist of the

year, sent a recorded video from a location on tour to accept

the honor. She thanked her fans, who she said "I have been lucky

enough to learn from."

"They have reminded me of the light that exists out there,"

Abrams said.

SZA took home AMA accolades for female R&B artist and for

R&B song for "Saturn." Becky G was named favorite female Latin

artist.

The festivities opened with host Jennifer Lopez singing and

dancing to a six-minute medley of 23 hits by the nominees. The

songs included Billie Eilish's "Birds of a Feather," Sabrina

Carpenter's "Espresso" and Beyonce's "Texas Hold 'Em."

The show was broadcast live on CBS from the

Fontainebleau Las Vegas hotel.

Going into the ceremony, Super Bowl headliner and Grammy

winner Kendrick Lamar led the field of contenders with 10

nominations.

Winners of the AMAs were selected by fan votes. The top

prize, artist of the year, pits Lamar against pop superstar

Swift, who has earned more AMAs - 40 - over her career than any

other musician. She also is coming off the highest-grossing

concert tour in history.

Others in the running for artist of the year are Ariana

Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Morgan Wallen, Billie

Eilish, Zack Bryan and SZA.

"Not Like Us," Lamar's ubiquitous diss track from his

longstanding feud with Canadian rapper Drake, is contending for

song of the year. Drake has sued Universal Music Group

for defamation over its release. Lamar performed "Not Like Us"

at February's Super Bowl, and the song won five Grammys.

Among other AMA nominees, Post Malone was vying for favorite

male country artist and favorite country album for "F-1

Trillion," among other awards. He previously won AMAs in rap/hip

hop and pop/rock categories.

Beyonce's "Cowboy Carter," winner of the top award at this

year's Grammys, was nominated for album of the year and favorite

country album at the AMAs. She also is nominated for favorite

female country artist.

During the ceremony, Janet Jackson will be honored with the

Icon award, an accolade for artists with global influence, and

Rod Stewart will receive a lifetime achievement award.