Pop superstar Katy Perry, even though she wasn't able to attend the ceremony, was among the biggest winners at Wednesday night's People's Choice Awards, claiming a total of five trophies including the coveted female artist of the year prize.  Perry also won for favorite music video for "Last Friday Night," favorite tour headliner, favorite song (E.T.), and favorite TV guest star for her guest role on "How I Met Your Mother."

In all, Perry was up for seven awards, but announced just two days before the ceremony that she wouldn't be attending.  The event would have been Perry's first public appearance since word of her divorce from actor Russell Brand became public.   Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night came when the award for favorite pop artist was handed out, as Demi Lovato beat out pop heavyweights Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Rihanna and Perry.