If you’re anything like me, you probably really enjoy music, but a busy lifestyle and endless responsibilities stop you from dedicating time to the things that truly matter: cosying up on the sofa with your favourite snack, switching on the TV and supporting your favourite artists as they sweep the floor with the innumerable awards they’ve picked up during the night at award shows.
This year’s American Music Awards saw music’s most loved artists receive their accolades in a celebration of a fantastic year in music. And boy was it a good one. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the highlights of the show, from the winners to the show-stopping performances and jaw-dropping outfits. Here’s what you missed at the AMA’s 2021.
WINNERS
Hosted by rapper Cardi B on the 21st of November, the AMA’s took place at the Microsoft Theatre in LA – I think it’s safe to say there were a couple of acts that dominated the night. Teen sensation Olivia Rodrigo was nominated across 7 categories, including ‘Artist of The Year’, ‘Favourite Music Video’, ‘Favourite Pop Artist’ and ‘Favourite Trending Song’, of which she went home with ‘New Artist of the Year’.
Korean boyband BTS made history being the first Asian act to win ‘Artist of the Year’. Talking to the stage during their acceptance speech, leader RM expressed his gratitude, saying, “This whole thing is a miracle. Seriously, we’ll never take this for granted. Thank you so much. We love you all, we want to give this honour to you guys.” This award was one of the three nominations the group won, also picking up ‘Favourite Pop Group/Duo’ and ‘Favourite Pop Song’ along the way.
The 7-man band weren’t the only ones to have a clean sweep with all the categories they were nominated in; Artists Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat also won all three awards they were nominated for. Megan took home ‘Favourite Female Hip-Hop Artist’, ‘Favourite Trending Song’ and ‘Favourite Hip-Hop Album’ while Doja swept the floor with ‘Favourite R&B Album’, ‘Favourite R&B Female Artist’ and ‘Collaboration of the Year’ with ‘Kiss Me More’ ft SZA.
PERFORMANCES
What’s an award show without some performances to sweeten the stage? The AMA’s saw an array of dazzling showstoppers including Giveon, with his performance of ‘Heartbreak Anniversary’, where he proved that not all performances require flashy backup dancers and a full orchestral band; his smooth vocals were enough to keep us all entranced.
On the other hand, the R&B group Chloe x Halle proved that sometimes being extra is exactly what is needed. With her hit single ‘Have Mercy’, Chloe took us to church in the first few minutes of the song before serving us with a deliciously sinful dance break.
As well as picking up 3 trophies, BTS also gave us a stellar performance of their well-decorated single ‘Butter’. Just like the lyrics of the song, the boys’ dance moves and vocals were indeed ‘smooth like butter.’ Their matching suits and bewitching smiles had the crowd going wild.
OUTFITS
Just like any other award show, the fashion that celebrities sport is always the cherry on top of the cake- or in this case, on top of the red carpet. The AMA’s gifted us some truly stunning looks this year, with actor/singer Billy Porter sporting a baby blue suit, accessorised by a mini umbrella for a hat. He’s truly a fashion icon, it would be surprising if he came in anything short of that.
Reality TV star JoJo Siwa showed us her elegant side in a black ballgown with a ruffled tulle skirt detail; a complete 180 from her usual rainbow leggings and sparkly bow.
DJ Diplo donned a pleasant peachy blazer and trouser set accented with a black turtleneck. However, the highlight of his outfit comes in the form of his animal print pointed-toe boots.
Bad Bunny, notorious for his extravagant outfit choices on red carpets, certainly didn’t disappoint this year. He also might be the only one who came appropriately dressed for the weather. The Latin singer rocked a mint green bomber jacket with some oversized trousers paired with some fluffy ankle booties.
All in all, the American Music Awards this year was jam-packed with exquisite performances, awards given to well-deserving artists and outfits that could give the Met Gala a run for their money. Seeing as the AMA’s are fan-voted, it is satisfying to see the awards reflect the public’s idea of what music deserves recognition. This year gave us so much and as always, I’m excited to see what next year’s music scene has in store for us. See you at the 2022 AMA’s!
Words by: Amarachi Ibanga
Edited by: Tamikka Reid