On Tuesday, October 9th, hundreds of the most popular singers and thousands of their fans gathered for the annual American Music Awards, or the AMAs. The night was filled with spectacular performances, exclusive celebrity interactions, and record breaking award winners. Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater and the surrounding area was bustling with activity and excitement over these awards and the red carpet that preceded them.

Interviews conducted on the red carpet revealed a plethora of celebrity insider news. For example, the singer Khalid described his experience of collaborating with the singer Normani. He said that “she’s so amazing, she’s so beautiful and she’s an amazing friend,” adding that he hopes to work together again in the future, according to Billboard. Furthermore, NCT 127, a group of K-Pop singers from South Korea, discussed their upcoming album Regular-Irregular. They also shared their feelings about their US debut, looking towards the future by explaining that one day they would love to collaborate with US singers such as Ty Dolla $ign, Post Malone and Camila Cabello, stated Billboard.

However, as Alice Ding (11) puts it,

“the most memorable part of the AMAs was the awards.”

In terms of pop and rock music, Taylor Swift won four awards, breaking the record for the most AMAs won by a female artist– the four adding onto her previous wins to total 23 AMAs. She was awarded Artists of the Year, Tour of the Year, Favorite Female Artists (Pop/Rock), and Favorite Album (Pop/Rock). Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello also received a number of well deserved awards, including New Artist of the Year; her hit song “Havana” ft. Young Thug won Collaboration of the Year, Video of the Year, and Favorite Song (Pop/Rock). Not to be beaten, male rapper Post Malone took the title of Favorite Male Artist (Pop/Rock), while Migos won Favorite Duo or Group (Pop/Rock).

Moving onto country music, country singer Kane Brown also received considerable recognition for his music with the awards of Favorite Male Artist (Country), Favorite Album (Country), and Favorite Song (Country). Similarly, Carrie Underwood was selected as Favorite Female Artist (Country). Florida Georgia Line joined them by winning Favorite Duo or Group (Country).

Meanwhile, rapper Cardi B was proudly declared Favorite Artist (Rap/Hip Hop), while Post Malone made a reappearance as he won Favorite Album (Rap/Hip Hop). Cardi B also received Favorite Song (Rap/Hip Hop) for her song “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves).  

In the category of Soul and R&B, Khalid emerged victorious as Favorite Male Artist (Soul/R&B). However, Rihanna reaffirmed her ongoing popularity by winning Favorite Female Artist (Soul/R&B). In a homage to the deceased singer, Favorite Album (Soul/R&B) was awarded to XXXTENCION. Lastly, Bruno Mars and Cardi B’s “Finesse” secured the Favorite Song (Soul/R&B) award.

A variety of other musical genres boasted their own Favorite Artist Awards. Panic! At The Disco won for Alternative Rock, while Shawn Mendes was awarded in Adult Contemporary. In Latin music, Daddy Yankee took the prize, as Lauren Daigle did for Contemporary Inspirational. Finally, Marshmello received the award in Electronic Dance Music; the last of the awards was Favorite Soundtrack for Black Panther: The Album.

Overall, the AMAs were a truly dynamic and engaging way for artists to be rewarded for their hard work throughout the year. The variety of different musical genres, albums, songs, and singers that were recognized proves the versatility of music itself.