One Direction, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera & A Great Big World, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga & R. Kelly and MORE are set to perform at tonight’s American Music Awards airing on ABC at 8/7c pm.
Jennifer Hudson, Heidi Klum, Hayden Panettiere, Naya Rivera, Taylor Swift, Chris Daughtry and more will present. And Phillip Phillips, One Direction, Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton are some of the artists up for awards. Pitbull will serve as co-host.
I’ll be liveblogging the 3 hour telecast right here!
Katy Perry kicks off the show, dressed in traditional Japanese geisha garb. She sings her latest single, “Unconditionally” in a Japanese garden, with fans, flowing silks, and those stubby little trees. It’s colorful and magical as paper flowers fall from the sky, and dancers with paper umbrellas twirl around her and drop from the rafters. It’s very pretty.
Here comes host Pitbull. YOOOOOO. He says to expect the unexpected cause who expected Pitbull to host? Then he drags out the “imagining the audience naked” trope. Blah blah. He thanks Sophia Vegara and screams LATINOOOOO. Oh. Pitbull is attempting to crack jokes. Please don’t. Pitbull is going to show us some new dance moves. PLEASE DON’T. He drags out some female dancers and beckons them to gyrate. Whyyy?
Pitbull introduces “sweetheart and global superstar”, Taylor Swift. She presents Favorite Pop Rock Male to Justin Timberlake. He won an AMA for the 3rd time back in 2007. Justin thanks THE FANS for TAKING TO THEIR TWITTERS. He’s at a loss for words. UH THANK YOU.
Emma Roberts, of American Horror Story (that’s what they said) introduce ONE DIRECTION! They sing “Story of My Life.” It’s the 3rd time I’ve seen this performance in the last week, and the staging, costuming and arrangement has been exactly the same. Boys. Change it up, will you?
The young, talented singer, Ariana Grande, performs next. This gal can SANG people. She’s performing “The Way” and she HAS changed it up. She’s turns her hit into an Aretha Franklin-like jam. She channels the great soul divas from the 60s, complete with stylish background singers and awesome grooves. This is pretty awesome. SANG HEFFFEEEER.
Marc Anthony and Zoe Saldana are next to present Favorite Soul R&B artist to Rihanna This is her 7th AMA and the 3rd time she’s taken it home in this category.
Next, Imagine Dragons take the stage surrounded in stage some to sing “Demons” and “Radioactive.” This staging is a little scary. Wow. So Fierce. Not. This. Is. Not. Alt. Rock. I’m sorry.
Kristen Bell and Chris Daughtry take the stage to present Favorite Country Album to Taylor Swift. It’s her 12th win, 3rd time in the category. Faux country trumps lame tailgating. I can’t decide which is worse.
Akon and Michael Bolton (You read that right) present Favorite Album – Rap/Hip Hop to Macklemore & Lewis for The Heist – They accept their award by satellite in Florida and get totally political, shouting out to Trayvon Martin, and vowing to continue fighting for social justice. ABC can’t be pleased.
Maya Mitchell and Naya Rivera take the stage to introduce Ke$ha and Pitbull who sing “Timber” Ke$ha is wearing a cute little pair of short shorts. She’s like something out of The Dukes of Hazzard and Pitbull wears a 3 piece suit. It’s a very odd pairing, but I manage to still be entertained.
Joan Jett and David Grohl presents Favorite Artist Alternative Rock to Imagine Dragons. David hoped the award went to the band with the biggest guitars. Oh well, better luck next year! Oh. And. Joan & Dave <3.
Pitbull presents Favorite Artist Latin to Marc Anthony. It’s his second time being named favorite Latin artist.
Heidi Klum introduces Justin Timberlake, who performs a new song, “Drink You Away” from 20/20 Experience Part 2. He’s playing a guitar, the song has a bit of a twang, along with a soul vibe and horns. He introduces his “Tennessee boys.” Good stuff.
Nicole Richie and Kelly Osbourne (DAUGHTERS) present Favorite Pop Rock Album to ONE DIRECTION! WHEEEEEEE. It’s the first time they’ve been nominated and their first win. They thank the fans. And Simon Cowell, of course.
The Ceremony (who are they? 3 young brothers. idk) introduce Florida Georgia Line and special guest Nelly to sing that dumb song about drinking beer and hitting on chicks, “Cruise.” OMG. Now they’re ALL singing “Ride With Me.” This is so shameless. Do country fans really want to hear this?
The next Bachelor, Juan Pablo and some other reality person? present New Artist of the Year to Ariana Grande. SORRY PHILLIP PHILLIPS. A quick jumble of very high-pitched thank yous tumble out of her mouth. She’s really surprised. Not fake Taylor Swift surprised, either.
Bill Mahr takes the stage to introduce Rihanna. His opinion? She has become the voice of our time. Alrighty then. He presents a very special award to the singer. But first, a video package and a performance of “Diamonds”. After, Jay Z presents the first AMA Icon award via Video. Rihanna’s mom presents the actual award. “All praises and honor to almighty Jesus,” is the first phrase out of mom’s mouth. Wow. She notes that her daughter’s journey hasn’t always been easy. Mom lays on the heartfelt accolades. She calls it the “Iconic” award. Ha. But it’s nice having her mom present, even if she is a little loopy. Rihanna talks about growing up in Barbados, and auditioning for producers at 15. Her mom almost didn’t let her go at 15. She thanks the suits next, then the fans.
Selena and Paulina Gretzky present Favorite Male Artist Soul/R&B to Justin Timberlake! He’s won in two genre categories (Pop/Rock) so far, proving that everyone loves him. He tells his family to shut up (lovingly) up in the peanut gallery.
Next up is Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performing “Can’t Hold Us” LIVE from Miami FL. It’s super energetic. The concert crowd is taking their cue TO PUT THEIR HANDS UP.
Fall Out Boy take the stage to present Favorite Country Female Artist to Taylor Swift. It’s her 4th win in this category (that she totally doesn’t belong in anymore). 13 total AMAs for Taylor. She thanks every radio format she can rattle off, because now she can right songs and not even THINK of genre. No kidding.
Jennifer Lopez is next, to pay tribute to Cuban artist, Queen Of Salsa, Celia Cruz. This is a Jl0 we haven’t seen much since Selena–singing Latin music in the native tongue. She salsas with the dancers in a skimpy bit of fringe. She probably has one person in charge of TAPING EVERYTHING DOWN. That was good. Good on you, Jlo.
Nathan Fillion and some other ABC star, present in a new category, Single of the Year. And it goes to “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line and Nelly. It’s the biggest country hit of all time! Weeps for humanity… Of course they thank the Lord first, and then almost as an afterthought, Nelly.
Comedian, Sarah Silverman, takes the stage to present Favorite Soul R&B Album. Here presentation is hilarious. The white guy from the Micky Mouse club, the Son of an 80’s sitcom star, and a Caribbean woman. She knows who would find it ironic if she lost. Ha ha. And the award goes to the Mickey Mouse kid, Justin Timberlake. It’s his sixth American Music Award, and his 3rd tonight. Justin says it was the first time he was ever racially profiled by a white woman!
Jennifer Hudson takes the stage to introduce Christina Aguilera and A Great Big World, singing “Say Something.” It just occured to me: This guy reminds me A LOT of Ben Folds. Anyone else? It’s a lovely song, and an interesting departure into indie for Christina.
“Hip Hop King”, Kendrick Lamar takes the stage, refers to himself in 3rd person, and raps “Swimming Pools (Drank)”.
Austin Mahone and Kendall Jenner take the stage to present the Favorite EDM Artist to Avicii. It’s his first AMA award.
It’s time for Lady Gaga. She plays a sexy Marilyn Monroe to R. Kelly’s Mr. President as they perform “Do What U Want.” Marilyn and R. Kelly writhe on top of the oval office desk, as Gaga pleads “Do What U Want with My Body.” So, will Madonna be complaining soon? “WHO PUT THESE PICTURES ON INSTAGRAM” shouts “President Kelly.” He faces the press and disavows “Marilyn”, President Clinton style. “Marilyn” is still totally fine with “President Kelly” doing what he wants with her body. As she performs, a young and innocent Gaga plays piano on a video screen behind her. Interesting.
Jamie Alexander, and baseball player, Andrew McCutchen present Favorite Country Male Artist to Luke Bryan. It’s his second win. So, dude has some stans!
Investors from Shark Tank present Favorite Pop Rock Band, Duo or Group to One Direction. This is their second AMA.
Lady Antebellum introduces Luke Bryan who sings some song about beer, trucks, chicks. It’s called “That’s My Kind of Night.” And it’s a perfect time to get a snack!
TLC and Little Mama are next, singing their classic hit “Waterfalls.”
2Chainz and Jaden Smith take the stage to introduce Miley Cyrus. She sings “Wrecking Ball.” WTF. There’s a terrifying giant KITTEN floating through space on a video screen behind her. It comes to the foreground. The kitty is lipsyncing, badly, along with Miley. As usual, Miley is bizarre for the sake of it. Totally pointless. It takes away any impact the song might have, because I’m just staring at the TV going “WHAT IS THIS SH*T.” It looks like Miley’s last Molly trip.
Taylor Swift wins her 14th AMA, Artist of the Year. Yay?
Winners List
Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock
Pink
Rihanna
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Favorite Male Artist Soul/R&B
Miguel
Robin Thicke
Justin Timberlake – WINNER
New Artist of the Year
Florida Georgia Line
Ariana Grande – WINNER
Imagine Dragons
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Phillip Phillips
Single of the Year
“Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line feat Nelly – WINNER
“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat Wanz
“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke feat Pharrerell & T.I.
Artist of the Year
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Bruno Mars
Rihanna
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Justin Timberlake
Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock
Bruno Mars
Robin Thicke
Justin Timberlake – WINNER
Favorite Band/Duo/Group – Pop/Rock
Imagine Dragons
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
One Direction – WINNER
Favorite Album – Pop/Rock
One Direction – Take Me Home – WINNER
Taylor Swift – Red
Justin Timberlake – 20/20 Experience
Favorite Male Artist – Country
Luke Bryan – WINNER
Hunter Hayes
Blake Shelton
Favorite Female Artist – Country
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Carrie Underwood
Favorite Band/Duo/Group – Country
The Band Perry
Florida Georgia Line
Lady Antebellum – WINNER
Favorite Album – Country
Luke Bryan – Crash My Party
Florida Georgia Line – Here’s to the Good Times
Taylor Swift – Red – WINNER
Favorite Artist – Rap/Hip Hop
Jay Z
Lil Wayne
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – WINNER
Favorite Album – Rap/Hip Hop
Jay Z – Magna Carta Holy Grail
Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid Mad City
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – The Heist – WINNER
Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B
Ciara
Alicia Keys
Rihanna – WINNER
Favorite Album – Soul/R&B
Rihanna – Unapologetic
Robin Thicke – Blurred Lines
Justin Timberlake – 20/20 Experience – WINNER
Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock
Imagine Dragons- WINNER
The Lumineers
Mumford and Sons
Favorite Artist – Adult Contemporary
Maroon 5 – WINNER
Bruno Mars
Pink
Favorite Artist – Latin
Marc Anthony – WINNER
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos
Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational
Toby Mac
Chris Tomlin
Matthew West – WINNER
Favorite Artist – EDM
Avicii – WINNER
Daft Punk
Calvin Harris
Zed
Top Soundtrack
Great Gatsby
Les Miserable
Pitch Perfect – WINNER
