On May 25, the annual American Music Awards were presented with a performance filled evening of music hosted by Queen Latifah. She returns after a 31 year absence to the MGM Grand Garden
Queen Latifah reports that this year the AMA’s receive more votes than ever before.
The AMA’s were created by Dick Clark as the fans answer to the industry awarded Grammy Awards.
The night began with a return of the Korean pop band BTS. The performance resembled the early days of the British Invasion when the screams far outvoiced the band. It was the first performance by the entire band in over four years. The band members spent time away from their music to serve their mandatory military service.
Nikki Glazier presented the first award of the night for Best Rock Alternative Song to sombr for “Back to Friends”. He said that he would not be there if it weren’t for the fans.
Hootie and the Blowfish return to the AMA’s for a performance of “Hold My Hand” and “I Only Want to Be with You” as the show honours the artists of today and remembers the artists of years past.
Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo presented the award for Song of the Year to The Singing Voices of Huntrix – Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami – for “Golden”.
Sombr takes the stage for a performance.
The award for Best Rock Alternative Artist went to Twenty One Pilots.
Spotting John Reznik of the Goo Goo Dolls in the audience, Queen Latifah led the audience in a rendition of “Iris”.
The Pussy Cat Doll reunite for the first time in six year and are joined by Busta Rhymes for a medley of their hits.
The award for Breakthrough R&B Artist went to Leon Thomas. He dedicated his award to the fans and his step-father.
Karol G have a performance before John Legend presented her with the International Artist of Excellence. She was the first Latin artist to headline the Coachella Music Festival. She said that she found purpose in life for her music and that she could help others through her music.
John Legend announced that Karol G is also the winner of the Best Latin Album award for her album “Tropicoqueta”
The award for Best Throwback Song went to the Black Eyed Peas for “Rock that Body”.
One of only 64 living recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor was in the audience. When Queen Latifah announced him, everyone stood up to cheer and clap.
Riley Green took the stage for a performance of “Worst Way”.
Twenty One Pilots take the stage for a performance.
BTS takes the stage to loud screams as they present the award for Best Female R&B Artist to SZA.
Darius Rucker received the Veterans Voice Award for his work with veterans and military families. Rucker noted that we all can use our voice to help. There is a whole section of the arena dedicated to members of the military.
Queen Latifah found Ludacris in the audience and had a little fun.
The award for Best Rock Alternative Album went to sombr for “I Barely Know Her”.
Katseye perform their hit song “Pinky Up”.
Keith Urban performs the Seals and Crofts hit “Summer Breeze”.
Glorilla and Ludacris present the award for Song of the Summer to BTS for “Swim”. Ludacris asks Glorilla to join him in creating the next Song of the Summer.
New Kids on the Block take the stage for a performance of “The Right Stuff”. No longer teens, but they still got the moves!
The award for Breakthrough Country Artist went to Sam Barber. Sam thanked the military and the fans saying that he wouldn’t be there without them.
Teyana Taylor takes the stage for a performance.
Hilary Duff presents the award for New Artist of the Year to Katseye.
Teddy Swim performs.
Busta Rhymes returns to the stage to present the award for Artist of the Year to BTS!
Latin artist Maluna gives a performance and even went into the audience to dance with the crowd.
Leon Thomas announces the final award of the night to rock legend Billy Idol with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Idol thanked the AMA’s and the fans; saying that he was able to live out his dream due to the fans. He said that music was the only thing that gave them a sense of freedom. In encouragement to the next generation he said, get an instrument, find out who you are, and BE it!
Idol takes the stage for a performance that closes out the night of music and awards.
Awards not presented on the live television broadcast…
Album of the Year: “Man’s Best Friend” by Sabrina Carpenter
Collaboration of the Year: PinkPanteress and Zara Larsson with “Stateside”
Social Song of the Year: “Chanel” by Tyla
Best Music Video: “Gnarly” by Katseye
Best Soundtrack: “KPop Demon Hunters”
Tour of the Year: Shakira with the “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour”
Breakout Tour: Benson Boone with the “American Heart World Tour”
Breakthrough Album of the Year: “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson
Best Vocal Performance: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami with “Golden”
Best Male Pop Artist: Justin Bieber
Best Female Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
Breakthrough Pop Artist: Katseye
Best Pop Song: “Golden” by The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami
Best Pop Album: “Man’s Best Friend” by Sabrina Carpenter
Best Male Country Artist: Morgan Wallen
Best Female Country Artist: Ella Langley
Best Country Duo or Group: Zac Brown Band
Best Country Song: “Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley
Best Country Album: “Cloud 9” by Megan Maroney
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Cardi B
Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist; Monaleo
Best Hip-Hop Song: “ErrTime” by Cardi BBest Hip-Hop Album: “AM I THE DRAMA?” by Cardi B
Best Male R&B Artist: Bruno Mars
Best R&B Song: “I Just Might” by Bruno Mars
Best R&B Album: “The Romantic” by Bruno Mars
Best Male Latin Artist: Bad Bunny
Best Female Latin Artist: Shakira
Best Latin Duo or Group: Fuerza Regida
Breakthrough Latin Artist: Kapo
Best Latin Song: “NUEVAYoL” by Bad Bunny
Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist: sombr
Best Dance/Electronic Artist: David Guetta
Best Male K-Pop Artist: BTS
Best Female K-Pop Artist: TWICE
Best Afrobeats Artist: Tyla
Best Americana/Folk Artist: Noah Kahan