All You Need to Know About This Year’s AMAs 

By: Anna Mengani

The AMAS premiered on November 22nd on CBS. Credit: The Official Facebook of the AMAs

The American Music Awards has been going on since February 19th, 1974.  The awards show was created by Dick Clark for ABC when the original Grammys expired.

 The AMAs is the most watched music award show aside from the Grammys, Video Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and the Country Music Association Awards. 

This year, the ceremony was on November 22nd, 2020 at 7PM EST. Before the awards were held, there was the iconic red carpet. 

The audience got to see the looks from Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha, Maluma, Machine Gun Kelly, Jennifer Lopez, and more! 

The Weeknd was the most shocking artist dressed. He noticeably was wearing a bandage on his face.

 Many viewers were concerned, but The Weeknd wasn’t injured. His look was promotionally based off his album “After Hours” and the music videos for “Blinding Lights” and “After Hours.” 

Also on the Red Carpet, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly made their first public debut as a couple! They are the definition of a power couple. 

Most of the looks from the artists were the usual suits and dresses that look amazing, but nothing that was too out there. 

Besides the glam looks, we also got to see amazing performances. The artists line up was The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Bebe Rexha & Doja Cat, Machine Gun Kelly, Bell Biv Devoe, Lil Baby, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, Jennifer Lopez and Maluma, Megan Thee Stallion, BTS, Dua Lipa, and Shawn Mendes.  

The Weeknd performed two songs from his album “After Hours,” “In Your Eyes” and “Save Your Tears.” The performance was outdoors with fireworks. The setting reminisces his music videos, and the vibe of his album. 

The performance was so unique to The Weeknd and enjoyable to watch. 

Justin Bieber performed “Lonely” and “Holy” with Benny Blanco. The piano was so sentimental, and the vocals were on point the entire time. 

It’s noticeable how into the performance Justin was which was super refreshing. The mirrors were a nice artistic touch to the stage. 

When singing “Holy,” the mirrors started showing crosses which changed the setting of the stage. The juxtaposition of emotions was entertaining. 

Next, Bebe Rexha and Doja Cat performed “Baby I’m Jealous.” The fashion was cute, and the performance was energetic and sensual. Later, Megan announces Machine Gun Kelly’s performance with Travis Parker. 

They performed “Bloody Valentine” and “My Ex’s Best Friend.” The stage was super pink with a high school theme. Both songs performed are playlist material. 

Bell Biv DeVoe performed “Do Me” and “Poison” about 30 years after their AMAs debut in 1991. The group still has the 90s nostalgic hip-hop vibe that everyone loves. 

Lil Baby performed “Emotionally Scarred.” The rap song was emotional, and everyone on stage was in character. There was a woman acting as a therapist in a chair while Lil Baby was rapping his feelings. 

Katy Perry performed for the first time at the AMAs in 7 years with Darius Rucker. The song was called “Only Love.” 

The stripped-down rendition of the song is beautiful and full of emotions. Then, Billie performed her new song, “Therefore I Am.” 

She wears the same outfit as the music video with her brother Finneas on guitar. 

Jennifer and Maluma performed their hit song “Pa’ Ti” for the AMAs stage. The performance was sensual and full of energy.

 Megan Thee Stallion performed her new body positive song “Body.” The beginning was empowering and brought chills and everything about this performance was amazing from the dancers to Megan’s rap flow. 

BTS performed their new song “Life Goes On” and “Dynamite.” The group’s vocals were beautiful, and their outfits represented the new album. It’s crazy to see how far the group has come in their success and this is another moment for them to cherish in their success. 

Dua Lipa performed her new song “Levitating.” The stage had a galactic theme with sparkles. 

Dua Lipa’s recent performances have truly been a breath of fresh air. 

Lastly, Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber performed “Monsters!” It was both singers’ first time performing on the same stage together, which was a viral moment for the AMAs. 

Last but not least, the biggest winners of the night were Artist of the year: Taylor Swift, New Artist of the Year: Doja Cat, Collaboration of the Year: Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber’s “10,000 Hours,” Favorite Social Artist: BTS, Favorite Music Video: Taylor Swift’s “Cardigan,” Favorite Duo or Group Pop/Rock: BTS, Favorite Album Pop/Rock: Harry Styles’s “Fine Line.” 

Other awards that were won included; Duo Group Country: Dan +Shay, Favorite Album: Blake Shelton, “Fully Loaded: God’s Country” Favorite Male Hip-Hop/Rap Artist: Juice WRLD,  Favorite Album Hip-Hop/ Rap: Roddy Ricch’s, “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial,” Favorite Song: Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP.” Favorite album Soul/R&B: The Weeknd “After Hours” Favorite Album Latin: Bad Bunny, “YYHLQMDLG” and Favorite Soundtrack: “Birds of Prey: The Album!” 

The AMAs featured many outstanding artists who had fascinating performances.The performances were lively and proof that music can bring people together even during difficult times.