(Rihanna accepts her award via video at 2011 American Music Awards)

Rihanna will release her sixth album Talk That Talk on Monday (November 21) but on Sunday night at the American Music Awards, the 23-year-old scooped up a new award for her fifth solo album Loud. Ri-Ri won in the category for Favorite Soul/R&B album, beating out Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E. and Beyoncé’s 4.

While the Barbados native wasn’t able to accept her award in person, she tuned into the show via a recorded video message, to say thanks to fans. The video was taped in Europe where Rihanna is currently on the international leg of her Loud tour. Looking fresh-faced and relaxed, she expressed gratitude to her legion of fans saying, “Thank you so much this means a lot to me to win this award” – apologizing that she couldn’t be in attendance as a result of the tour.

Fans on Twitter were pleased with the win although some were expecting a different outcome. “Everytime Rihanna wins an award, people wanna be mad. You should have voted for your fave. If you didn't, that's your fault. #sorelosers,” tweeted a defiant @_glamourize in defense of Rihanna’s win. “rihanna wins a R&B award over chris and bey ? 0___o,” wondered user @MrsCaseyDasilva.

Rihanna will continue to make her rounds in Europe for the Loud tour, wrapping up in London on December 22 at the famed O2 arena. Her new album includes a feature from Jay-Z on the title track “Talk That Talk.” Hov is the LP’s only other feature besides singer and producer Calvin Harris.