The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Dan + Shay take top honors
Dan + Shay, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd, all topped the winners circle at the 2020 American Music Awards with three wins a piece, bringing Swift’s record for most career AMA wins to a whopping 32. The hottest night in music included thrilling exclusive world premiere performances as well as an energizing fun-filled opening number by AMA host, Taraji P. Henson. The first-time host dazzled fans with a beat pumping dance routine, unexpected surprises – including a visit from America’s favorite TV music mogul – Cookie Lyon, and glamour and sophistication with nine wardrobe changes.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was Justin Bieber’s powerful opening performance of his songs “Lonely,” with Benny Blanco on piano, and “Holy,” brought to fans by T-Mobile.
Shawn Mendes and Bieber’s world premiere performance of their newly released single “Monster” set the stage for the collaborations to come throughout the night.
Katy Perry was joined by Darius Rucker for an intimate and heartfelt special collaboration of “Only Love.”
The Weeknd lit up Downtown Los Angeles with an electrifying performance of “In Your Eyes,” featuring saxophone legend Kenny G, and “Save Your Tears,” accompanied by a vibrant fireworks display.
Billie Ellish gave a spectacular world premiere performance of her new song, “Therefore I Am,” with an appearance from her brother and producer, Finneas, who accompanied her on the guitar.
Rapper Nelly energized fans with a performance of his hits from his debut album, Country Grammar, celebrating 20 years since its release. Surprises included legendary comedian Cedric The Entertainer – with an intro parroting his skit on Nelly’s first album – and St. Lunatic City Spud, who joined Nelly for “Ride Wit Me.”
Jennifer Lopez and Maluma, steamed up the stage with a sultry rendition of “Pa’ Ti” and “Lonely.” The duo rehearsed 50 hours in less than two weeks to deliver the jaw dropping, world premiere performance to the stage.
Among other performance highlights, Bebe Rexha and Doja Cat gave an upbeat performance of their catchy collaboration “Baby, I’m Jealous,” while donning outfits reminiscent of their music video.
BTS closed out the night, remote from Seoul, South Korea, with a vibrant nearly six minute performance of their newly released song ”Life Goes On” and fan favorite hit “Dynamite.”
Swift led the pack winning the most coveted honor of the night, Artist of the Year, as well as honors for Favorite Music Video for her pop hit, “Cardigan” and Favorite Female Pop/Rock Artist. In her remote acceptance speech from the studio, Swift revealed she is now re-recording her previous albums.
Bieber earned three AMA wins for Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist, Collaboration of the Year and Favorite Country Song, the latter two for his team up with Dan + Shay for their song “10,000 Hours.”
The Weeknd took home three honors for Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist, Favorite Soul/R&B Album and Favorite Soul/R&B Song.
BTS won two trophies for Favorite Social Artist and Favorite Pop Group.
Nicki Minaj won two AMAs for Favorite Female Rap Artist and Favorite Latin Song for her hit collaboration, “Tusa,” with Colombian reggaeton artist Karol G.
Doja Cat walked away with two wins for Favorite New Artist and Favorite Female Soul/R&B Artist.
Winning in two of the four newly expanded Latin categories, reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny took AMAs for Favorite Male Latin Artist and Favorite Latin Album.
Becky G. gave an inspiring acceptance speech for her Favorite Female Latin Artist win, honoring Latin artists and others who inspired her to follow her dreams.
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
New Artist of the Year: Doja Cat
Collaboration of the Year: Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours”
Favorite Social Artist: BTS
Favorite Music Video: Taylor Swift “cardigan”
Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock: Justin Bieber
Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock: Taylor Swift
Favorite Duo of Group – Pop/Rock: BTS
Favorite Album – Pop/Rock: Harry Styles “Fine Line”
Favorite Song – Pop/Rock: Dua Lipa “Don’t Start Now”
Favorite Male Artist – Country: Kane Brown
Favorite Female Artist – Country: Maren Morris
Favorite Duo of Group – Country: Dan + Shay
Favorite Album – Country: Blake Shelton “Fully Loaded: God’s Country”
Favorite Song – Country: Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours”
Favorite Male Artist – Rap/Hip Hop: Juice WRLD
Favorite Female Artist – Rap/Hip Hop: Nicki Minaj
Favorite Album – Rap/Hip Hop: Roddy Ricch “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial”
Favorite Song – Rap/Hip Hop: Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion “WAP”
Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B: The Weeknd
Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B: Doja Cat
Favorite Album – Soul/R&B: The Weeknd “After Hours”
Favorite Song – Soul/R&B: The Weeknd “Heartless”
Favorite Male Artist – Latin: Bad Bunny
Favorite Female Artist – Latin: Becky G
Favorite Album – Latin: Bad Bunny “YHLQMDLG”
Favorite Song – Latin: KAROL G & Nicki Minaj “Tusa”
Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock: Twenty One Pilots
Favorite Artist – Adult Contemporary: Jonas Brothers
Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational: Lauren Daigle
Favorite Artist – Electronic Dance Music (EDM): Lady Gaga
Favorite Soundtrack: Birds of Prey: The Album
