The American Music Award for Artist of the Year, which is the most prestigious award of the night, has been awarded since 1996. Years reflect the year during which the awards were presented, for works released in the previous year (until 2003 onward, when awards were handed out on November of the same year). Taylor Swift is the most nominated and awarded artist in the category, with 7 wins from 10 nominations. Swift was the first artist to be nominated in the category for five consecutive years and the only act to win for three consecutive years.