Donald Trump steals the show at the American Music Awards
Canadian rapper Drake wins his first-ever American Music Award
Ariana Grande named artist of the year
Green Day took aim at Donald Trump
“No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA”
These were the re-written lyrics of Green Day’s controversial anti-gun violence single “Bang Bang”, performed at the American Music Awards.
It was the most over reference to the result of the recent US presidential election at the three-hour award show.
The focus was otherwise mostly on the music.
The American Music Awards are chosen by fans voting online.
They were created in 1973 as an alternative to the Grammys.
Best pop/rock female artist award
Pop singer Selena Gomez surprised fans by making her first major public appearance since cutting short her world tour in August to deal with panic attacks and depression.
She won the best pop/rock female artist award.
In an emotional speech, Gomez thanked her fans for their loyalty and explained why she felt the need to take a break.
“Most of you know a lot of my life, whether I like it or not. I had to stop. I had everything, but I was absolutely broken.”
#Selenators! You voted for your girl selenagomez and she is your #AMAs Favorite Female Artist - Pop/Rock! pic.twitter.com/UnFG9yRstM— AMAs (AMAs) November 21, 2016
Hey, SelenaGomez .You are STUNNING! #AMAs pic.twitter.com/MVa44PulVh— AMAs (AMAs) November 21, 2016
Best rap/hip-hop artist
30-year-old Drake won for his best-selling “Views”. Earlier this year, the album became the first to earn one billion streams on Apple Music.
“For our genre, I like to keep things exciting and keep making music. More like this is coming soon,” Drake said, accepting the award.
Give it up for Drake who won THREE #AMAs tonight! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/4LK5BRm4UX— AMAs (AMAs) November 21, 2016
Artist of the Year
23-year-old Ariana Grande was chosen artist of the year, beating Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Gomez.
“I can’t believe this, I am shaking with nerves,” she said. “I hope I can bring joy to you and make you feel unified and happy.”
#Arianators are still rocking 'Side to Side' from ArianaGrande & NickiMinaj's #AMAs performance https://t.co/b3MO0uwjNA #AriNickiAMAs pic.twitter.com/Qkzb5SiPjf— AMAs (@AMAs) November 21, 2016
Sting
British singer Sting, who last week released his first pop/rock album in a decade, “57th and 9th”, sang a medley of his hits and was presented with an honorary award recognising his contribution to the music industry.
Sting, real name Gordon Sumner, said he owed a debt to American rock and roll, adding “While I may be an Englishman in New York, my musical soul is all-American.”
Tonight, OfficialSting was HONORED with the #AMAs Award of Merit! A legend! pic.twitter.com/VewjbCkbt0— AMAs (AMAs) November 21, 2016
Best New Artist
Former One Direction member Za
Ariana Grande named artist of the year
Green Day took aim at Donald Trump
“No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA”
These were the re-written lyrics of Green Day’s controversial anti-gun violence single “Bang Bang”, performed at the American Music Awards.
It was the most over reference to the result of the recent US presidential election at the three-hour award show.
The focus was otherwise mostly on the music.
The American Music Awards are chosen by fans voting online.
They were created in 1973 as an alternative to the Grammys.
Best pop/rock female artist award
Pop singer Selena Gomez surprised fans by making her first major public appearance since cutting short her world tour in August to deal with panic attacks and depression.
She won the best pop/rock female artist award.
In an emotional speech, Gomez thanked her fans for their loyalty and explained why she felt the need to take a break.
“Most of you know a lot of my life, whether I like it or not. I had to stop. I had everything, but I was absolutely broken.”
#Selenators! You voted for your girl selenagomez and she is your #AMAs Favorite Female Artist - Pop/Rock! pic.twitter.com/UnFG9yRstM— AMAs (AMAs) November 21, 2016
Hey, SelenaGomez .You are STUNNING! #AMAs pic.twitter.com/MVa44PulVh— AMAs (AMAs) November 21, 2016
Best rap/hip-hop artist
30-year-old Drake won for his best-selling “Views”. Earlier this year, the album became the first to earn one billion streams on Apple Music.
“For our genre, I like to keep things exciting and keep making music. More like this is coming soon,” Drake said, accepting the award.
Give it up for Drake who won THREE #AMAs tonight! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/4LK5BRm4UX— AMAs (AMAs) November 21, 2016
Artist of the Year
23-year-old Ariana Grande was chosen artist of the year, beating Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Gomez.
“I can’t believe this, I am shaking with nerves,” she said. “I hope I can bring joy to you and make you feel unified and happy.”
#Arianators are still rocking 'Side to Side' from ArianaGrande & NickiMinaj's #AMAs performance https://t.co/b3MO0uwjNA #AriNickiAMAs pic.twitter.com/Qkzb5SiPjf— AMAs (@AMAs) November 21, 2016
Sting
British singer Sting, who last week released his first pop/rock album in a decade, “57th and 9th”, sang a medley of his hits and was presented with an honorary award recognising his contribution to the music industry.
Sting, real name Gordon Sumner, said he owed a debt to American rock and roll, adding “While I may be an Englishman in New York, my musical soul is all-American.”
Tonight, OfficialSting was HONORED with the #AMAs Award of Merit! A legend! pic.twitter.com/VewjbCkbt0— AMAs (AMAs) November 21, 2016
Best New Artist
Former One Direction member Za