No question Justin Timberlake is the man of the year, but oh how the women of pop music proved its their world again at the American Music Awards.

Debonair at every turn, Timberlake put on a great performance and said something funny each time he appeared. But it was Taylor Swift who won the night, taking home four awards, including top honor artist of the year for the third time. It was Rihanna who won the Icon Award — at age 25. And it was Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry who will again drive the morning’s water-cooler conversation with their continuing awards show brinksmanship.

Not to worry, though, JT, we’ll still include you our five moments to remember. But first, Miley:

— Miley’s kitty: What was that exactly? We can describe it, no problem: Cyrus performed her hit “Wrecking Ball” as a duet of sorts with a giant, lip-syncing CGI kitten that floated through space projected on a screen behind her. But no way can we explain it. Playfully absurdist, it was a moment Salvador Dali would be proud of. And like all of these performances so far, it became delightfully self-referential when the cat finished the song by winking and sticking its tongue out — Cyrus’ trademark move.