2012 American Music Awards Best Dressed Pictures

Based on their individual track records, Carly Rae Jepsen, Nicki Minaj and Kesha seem like surprising contenders for the best dressed gals at the 2012 American Music Awards, but hot diggity damn -- just look at them!

While Jepsen still suffers from bangs that are a bit too heavy for her bone structure (perhaps consider a side sweep, doll!), her gown was incredibly pretty. The sparkling pale pink number suited her fair complexion and blue eyes, and the deep V-neck reminds the world that despite appealing to tweens and teens, Jepsen is all woman. The AMAs may serve as an early birthday party for the 'Call Me Maybe' crooner, who turns 27 on Nov. 21.

Flawless cannibal queen Kesha is often considered more likely to streak on a red carpet than to have a well-dressed red carpet streak -- and yet here she is. Stunning in a petal pink lace number, the 'Die Young' songstress looks soft and beautiful. Between her hair, makeup and dress, she's simply stunning without needing the sequins or sparkles that her peers resorted to for the evening. And while we initially weren't fans of pairing the pretty pastel number with black heels, once she noticed that her nails matched -- and that she had some hardcore hardware on her ears -- it all made sense and became cohesive. For as girly as Kesha can look, she's still a rebellious party girl at heart.

Taylor Swift showed more leg than we've ever seen her attempt. Rocking a nude and gold mini dress and metallic heels, it was pretty refreshing to see the 22-year-old dressing her own age instead of her great aunt's. The 'Begin Again' singer also took a break from the red lips she's sported lately, focusing on heavy mascara and highlighted cheekbones. Our only recommendations would be perhaps highlights, as her hair almost matched the tones of the dress (but was actually less shiny) and to extend all the way to the tops of her feet with the self-tanner -- there's a noticeable absence of color under her shoes in comparison to her endless gams.

We were particularly impressed with Minaj. The Harajuku Barbie is known for her wild, often contrived garb, but she kept it classy and stunning tonight. Rocking a strapless chartreuse gown with a long train and tulle underlay and accessorizing with a statement gold and teal necklace and curly blond wig, the 'American Idol' judge raised the bar for herself. Perhaps she's getting some inspiration from frenemy fashionista Mariah Carey!