From: www.examiner.com

Thanks to a line up of heavyweight performances, including anticipated debuts and returns, this year's American Music Awards gave ABC a major boost in ratings.

Featuring anticipated performances from Rihanna and Adam Lambert, the AMA's pulled an estimated 14.2 million viewers Sunday, November 22. According to numbers revealed via ABC press, that is roughly two million viewers above 2008's show (which featured performances from Beyonce and Christina Aguilera).

While the show is still being talked about, particularly due to a controversial performance from American Idol star Adam Lambert, viewers will move on to music's next big thing -- release day.

Monday, November 23 happens to be one of the busiest, if not the biggest, release dates this year. Albums (both new and revamped) from Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Rihanna, Adam Lambert, Shakira and Susan Boyle arrive in stores and at digital retail just in time for the Holiday season.

Viewers can also tune into a few major television events, including Beyonce's forthcoming Thanksgiving Special "I AM ... Yours," the finale of Dancing With The Stars (featuring a performance from Whitney Houston) and an anticipated performance from Rihanna on 'Good Morning America'.