The “2018 American Music Awards,” the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, was hosted by ABC’s “black-ish” star, Tracee Ellis Ross, for the second year in a row! Ross wowed fans with her comedic timing, wit and numerous costume changes throughout the night, where music fans watched their favorite artists and pop culture icons come together to celebrate icons, musicians breaking barriers and those new to the contemporary music scene, live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on October 9.
Taylor Swift stole the night with a fiery, heart-pumping show opening performance of her single “I Did Something Bad,” in a sparkly one piece and thigh high boots as a cobra emerged over the flames on stage. She continued to take the stage throughout the night, taking home a total of four awards – surpassing Whitney Houston’s record of 21 trophies, and setting a new AMA record for most wins by a female of all time, 23!
Jennifer Lopez took the stage to sing her new powerful ballad, “Limitless” from her film Second Act, while record-breaking female rapper, Cardi B, took over the AMA stage with a vibrant, Latin-inspired performance of her hit single “I Like It,” with J Balvin and Bad Bunny. The evening included additional knockout performances from Camila Cabello, Carrie Underwood, Dua Lipa, Mariah Carey, Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Shawn Mendes with Zedd and Twenty One Pilots.
Gospel and soul’s biggest names came out to salute the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in an uplifting performance directed by musical savant, Rickey Minor. Gladys Knight, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Ledisi and Mary Mary sang gospel songs that Ms. Franklin had become synonymous with like “Amazing Grace” and “Climbing Higher Mountains,” that got the audience to their feet and reminded us why Aretha reigned Queen.
Checkout the full list of the 2018 American Music Award winners:
Artist of the Year
Taylor Swift
Favorite Male Artist Pop/Rock
Post Malone
Favorite Female Artist Pop/Rock
Taylor Swift
Favorite Duo or Group Pop/Rock
Migos
Favorite Album Pop/Rock
Taylor Swift “reputation”
Favorite Song Pop/Rock
Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug “Havana”
Favorite Male Artist Country
Kane Brown
Favorite Female Artist Country
Carrie Underwood
Favorite Duo or Group Country
Florida Georgia Line
Favorite Album Country
Kane Brown “Kane Brown”
Favorite Song Country
Kane Brown “Heaven”
Favorite Artist Rap/Hip-Hop
Cardi B
Favorite Album Rap//Hip-Hop
Post Malone “Beerbongs & Bentlys”
Favorite Song Rap/Hip-Hop
Cardi B “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)”
Favorite Male Artist Soul/R&B
Khalid
Favorite Female Artist Soul/R&B
Rihanna
Favorite Album Soul/R&B
XXXTENTACION “17”
Favorite Song Soul/R&B
Bruno Mars & Cardi B “Finesse”
Tour of the Year
Taylor Swift
Favorite Music Video
Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug “Havana”
Favorite Artist Alternative Rock
Panic! At The Disco
Favorite Artist Adult Contemporary
Shawn Mendes
Favorite Artist Latin
Daddy Yankee
Favorite Artist Contemporary Inspirational
Lauren Daigle
Favorite Artist Electronic Dance Music
Marshmello
Favorite Soundtrack
“Black Panther: The Album, Music From And Inspired By”
Favorite Social Artist of the Year Presented By Xfinity
BTS
New Artist of the Year Presented By Capital One ® Savor® Card
Camila Cabello
Collaboration of the Year
Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug, “Havana”
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Video Credit: @luxequire x Destination Luxury
