Canadian singers Justin Bieber and Drake emerged as big winners at the American Music Awards held at the Microsoft Theater.
Bieber won four awards which included favourite male artist pop/rock, favourite album pop/rock for "Purpose," favourite song pop/ rock for "Love Yourself" and video of the year for "Sorry".Drake on the hand who led the pack of nominees with 13 nods, breaking Michael Jackson's record for the most AMA nominations in a single year, nabbed three solo awards in rap/ hip-hop category.
The night saw performances by Bieber, Niall Horan, Maroon 5 and Kendrick Lamar, James Bay, Fifth Harmony, Lady Gaga, Green Day, John Legend, Bruno Mars, Shawn Mendes and The Weeknd.The Chainsmokers and Halsey, and Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj performed special duets. The American Music Award of Merit honoree and performer Sting also took to the stage. Ariana Grande was named artist of the year while Beyonce won the tour of the year honour beating Madonna and Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Ban. While the collaboration of the year went to Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla $ign - "Work From Home". The trophy for favourite artist- soul/R&B for male and female was taken home by Chris Brown and Rihanna respectively.
Adele won the favorite artist award in adult contemporary category. Top soundtrack was given to Prince's "Purple Rain".Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood received the favourite artist-country male and female respectively. The Chainsmokers also took home the trophy in EDM category, winning the award for the first time.
Zayn Malik shades 1D
Zayn Malik who received the new artist of the year award took a jibe at his former band One Direction as he got on the stage to collect his award. As he looked at the shiny statue in his hand, Zayn opened with "Wow. This just has my name on it, right?" And while he thanked his parents and fans for supporting him in his solo endevour, people were quick to spot that he gave girl friend Gigi Hadid's name a miss.
Shawn Mendes is open to dating fans
Shawn Mendes who was nominated for New Artist of the Year and also treated the gathering with a live performance at the event has revealed that he is open to dating his fans. "Totally. I think there's no rules, is there?" said Mendes. And while he did acknowledge that there would be a whole load of hysteria made over it, Mendes stated, "Maybe only like for the first day or two. Get it out of your system, and then we're cool."
Selena leaves crowd teary eyed
Selena Gomez who made her first public appearance after months stunned the crowd at the American Music Awards by delivering a passionate speech to her fans as she accepted the Female Pop/Rock Artist trophy. The singer had abandoned her world tour earlier this year and reportedly checked into rehab to focus on her struggle with autoimmune disorder lupus. "I had to stop because I had everything and I was absolutely broken inside," she said during her speech. "I kept it all together enough to where I'd never let you (fans) down, but I kept it too much together, to where I let myself down. All I can say from the bottom of my heart is I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be able to share what I love every single day.”
Green Day attack Trump again
Green Day continued their recent streak of political commentary during the group’s performance at the American Music Awards, slamming President-elect Donald Trump. The band “ whose latest album, Revolution Radio, recently debuted at No. 1 “ took the stage to perform “Bang Bang,” the lead single off the collection. In the middle of the song, they began a chant, singing, “No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA!” over and over again. Earlier this month, Green Day took a jibe at Trump when they performed at the MTV EMA Awards, and accepted the Global Icon Award.
Prince's sister gives heartfelt speech
Prince’s Purple Rain won an American Music Award for Best Soundtrack and the late star’s sister Tyka Nelson accepted the trophy on his behalf, making a heartfelt speech about her brother. “Prince defied the odds,” she said. “A black teen in Minneapolis with a goal to electrify the world, he had the courage to be different. With his vision and God given talent, he is still one of the world’s most respected and loved artists. What he told me was that he wanted to be known as the world’s most prolific songwriter. With 984 titles to his credit and counting he has done just that. In the words of Prince, ‘With love, honor, and respect for every living thing in the universe separation ceases and we all become one being singing one song.’ On behalf of Prince, our wonderful friend, teacher, and brother, I humbly accept this award.”
