Justin Bieber and his mom spent the start of Thanksgiving week at the American Music Awards, where the singer, 18, won three trophies: Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop/Rock Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Album. 

The Biebs brought his mom Pattie Malette as his date to the show in L.A.'s Nokia Theater and even brought her on stage. She looked shocked as he grabbed her hand and led her up to the podium to stand by his side as he accepted his Artist of the Year trophy. He said his mom is “little,” but "she's beautiful." Malette was clearly emotional as Bieber continued, "I want to thank you for just always believing in me."

Malette was just 18 years old – her son’s age now -- when she gave birth and had quite a few struggles before Bieber made it big. She recently wrote a book about it, "Nowhere But Up." Just last month she was in the HLN studios to talk with Mike Galanos about her book and bringing up Bieber.

WATCH: Justin Bieber's mom: There's nowhere to go but up

Bieber also took time to call out the "haters" who thought he wouldn’t be around very long: "I feel like I'm going to be here for a very long time," he said.

Carly Rae Jepsen ("Call Me Maybe") called Bieber the "current generation's biggest superstar."

Carrie Underwood, Nicki Minaj, Lady Antebellum and Usher were also among the long list of acts who took home trophies.  You can see all the winners at ABC.com.