Last night (November 20th) was filled with music, fun and laughs at the 50th annual American Music Awards, which took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Wayne Brady brought the funny and impromptu freestyles while hosting the night in celebration of music of all genres. Taking his job quite seriously, he even broke into a freestyle rap in honor of the award show and later did a quick dance number with professional dancer and choreographer Witney Carson, his partner on Dancing With the Stars.

Brady also gave a tribute to Takeoff of the Migos who was tragically shot and killed in Houston earlier this month.

As far as awards go, Taylor Swift took home top honors, winning Artist of the Year, as well as Favorite Pop Album for Red (Taylor’s Version), Favorite Music Video for “All Too Well: The Short Film” and several others.

Dove Cameron won the award for New Artist of the Year while Dan + Shay walked away with the nod for Favorite Country Duo or Group.

And despite there being controversy surrounding Chris Brown‘s abruptly canceled performance in tribute of the 40th anniversary of Michael Jackson‘s “Thriller,” Brown won the award for Favorite Male R&B Artist. The nod was presented by R&B singer Kelly Rowland, who gathered audience members who chose to boo following Breezy’s win. Rowland honored Chris and thanked him for his contributions to R&B music.

Closing out the night, Smokey Robinson introduced Lionel Richie and presented him with the Icon Award. Stevie Wonder and Charlie Puth then put on a tribute performance for Icon Award winner.

WINNERS

ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Taylor Swift
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Dove Cameron
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR: Elton John & Dua Lipa – “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix”
FAVORITE TOURING ARTIST: Coldplay
FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO: Taylor Swift – “All Too Well: The Short Film”
FAVORITE MALE POP ARTIST: Harry Styles
FAVORITE FEMALE POP ARTIST: Taylor Swift
FAVORITE POP DUO OR GROUP: BTS
FAVORITE POP ALBUM: Taylor Swift – Red (Taylor’s Version)
FAVORITE POP SONG: Harry Styles – “As It Was”
FAVORITE MALE COUNTRY ARTIST: Morgan Wallen
FAVORITE FEMALE COUNTRY ARTIST: Taylor Swift
FAVORITE COUNTRY DUO OR GROUP: Dan + Shay
FAVORITE COUNTRY ALBUM: Taylor Swift – Red (Taylor’s Version)
FAVORITE COUNTRY SONG: Morgan Wallen – “Wasted on You”
FAVORITE MALE HIP-HOP ARTIST: Kendrick Lamar
FAVORITE FEMALE HIP-HOP ARTIST: Nicki Minaj
FAVORITE HIP-HOP ALBUM: Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
FAVORITE HIP-HOP SONG: Future featuring Drake & Tems – “Wait for You”
FAVORITE MALE R&B ARTIST: Chris Brown
FAVORITE FEMALE R&B ARTIST: Beyoncé
FAVORITE R&B ALBUM: Beyoncé – Renaissance
FAVORITE R&B SONG: Wizkid featuring Tems “Essence”
FAVORITE MALE LATIN ARTIST: Bad Bunny
FAVORITE FEMALE LATIN ARTIST: Anitta
FAVORITE LATIN DUO OR GROUP: Yahritza Y Su Esencia
FAVORITE LATIN ALBUM: Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti
FAVORITE LATIN SONG: Sebastián Yatra – “Dos Oruguitas”
FAVORITE ROCK ARTIST: Machine Gun Kelly
FAVORITE ROCK SONG: Måneskin – “Beggin'”
FAVORITE ROCK ALBUM: Ghost – Impera
FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL ARTIST: for KING & COUNTRY
FAVORITE GOSPEL ARTIST: Tamela Mann
FAVORITE DANCE/ELECTRONIC ARTIST: Marshmello
FAVORITE SOUNDTRACK: Elvis
FAVORITE AFROBEATS ARTIST: Wizkid
FAVORITE K-POP ARTIST: BTS

PERFORMANCES

Pink opened the show, showing off her rollerskating skills while simultaneously performing “Never Not Gonna Dance Again.”

Bebe Rexha hit the stage to perform her smash “I’m Good (Blue)” featuring David Guetta.

Brazilian artist Anitta made her American performance debut with Missy Eliott and performed “Envolver.”

Carrie Underwood performed “Crazy Angels.”

GloRilla performed her hit single “Tomorrow 2” and was joined by Cardi B.

Wayne Brady performed a freestyle on the spot, using the words/phrases “Owes You Money,” “Loofah,” “Sex,” “Hip-Hop” and “Tracks,” all of which were chosen by audience members.

Imagine Dragons performed “Enemy” with Dreamville’s JID.

A tribute of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” was performed by Pink in honor of Olivia Newton-John.

Lil Baby performed a medley of his tracks “In a Minute” and “California Breeze” from his latest album It’s Only Me.

Yola performed “Break the Bough.”

Dove Cameron hit the stage after her win and performed “Boyfriend.”

Stevie Wonder and Charlie Puth perform tribute to Lionel Richie, referred to as a “musical tennis match of Lionel Richie copyrights,” which included “Three Times a Lady,” “Easy (Like Sunday Morning),” “All Night Long,” “Say You, Say Me,” “Brick House” and “Jesus Is Love.” They ended the event with a star-studded performance of “We Are the World” with Ari Lennox, Muni Long, Melissa Etheridge, Jimmie Allen, Yola, Smokey Robinson and more.

 

Filed under: american-music-awards, machine gun kelly