Katy Perry gets some support from the girls at the AMA's as she flies solo on the red carpet

By Lucy Buckland

Last updated at 4:49 PM on 21st November 2011

It was a night of achievements for Katy Perry at the American Music Awards.

Not only did the 27-year-old pick up a special award but her three outfit changes stunned audiences yesterday evening.

But instead of being flanked by her husband comedian Russell Brand on the red carpet it was a night of girl-power as the star stuck to some of her more famous friends sides, smiling in the face of rumours her marriage is on the rocks.

All the girls: Selena Gomez, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift stick together at the AMA's last night

Sheer audacity: Katy wore a bejewelled corset and sheer skirt number

The I Kissed A Girl singer was surrounded by pretty pals Selena Gomez, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift at the AMA's last night.

And after a heartbreaking acoustic rendition of The One That Got Away - during which she removed her wedding ring - Katy was given a special achievement award for being the first female pop singer to have five No. 1 singles off one album.

There was a stellar line-up of stars at the event including, Christina Aguilera, Justin Bieber, David Guetta and Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown.

Girl power: Katy Perry laughed off rumours her marriage is in trouble at the AMA's last night, seen here with Selena Gomez

The girl with the three outfit changes: Katy stuns in Vivienne Westwood dress

Perfect in pink: Katy Perry's outfit outshines Heidi Klum backstage at the awards

But noticeably absent was Katy's husband, who recently announced he was set to do a tour of U.S. colleges.

The Mail on Sunday's Katie Nicholl reported Katy has confided in musician Tore Nissen, the support act on her California Dreams world tour, that her marriage was in trouble.

Although in public Katy has talked about the couple's plans to start a family, she is believed to be privately telling friends her marriage is in trouble.

Surprise award: Heidi Klum presents singer Katy Perry with an achievement award

I kissed a girl..: Katy Perry looks very grateful to be presented with her award, previous winners include Micheal Jackson

Rumour mill: Katy Perry shrugged off speculation her marriage was on the rocks at the AMA's

Tore has been a shoulder to cry on for Katy,’ says a mole.

‘They get along well, so much so that his girlfriend became suspicious and joined him on the tour.’

Russell, 35, was quoted as saying before his tour: 'I don’t know what a sorority is . . . except that they are sort of sex clubs for women. I am going to learn first-hand about sororities.’

Happy: Katy Perry later tweeted she an 'amazing night'

But last night Katy was all smiles as she wowed audiences with her performance and her outfit changes.

First off was a strapless pale pink Vivienne Westwood dress with a structured corset bodice and an artistic Japanese motif.

Then was a smart corset top with sheer skirt and tights. But while performing Katy wore a space-age pink dress with glitter detail.

And it seems the star had a great time as she tweeted later: 'O' what a night! Thanks for my amazing award AMA'S, nice company to be in with that one! Glad I could play my lil ol' gitter for u tonight.'