Status: 11/21/2022 08:56 a.m
US singer Taylor Swift outdid herself at the American Music Awards, winning six trophies and now holding 40 awards, more than any artist before her. The rest of the evening was mixed.
Big, bigger, Taylor Swift: At the 50th American Music Awards (AMAs) on Sunday evening (local time), the 32-year-old was able to turn all six nominations into trophies, including in the top category as artist of the year.
Musician Taylor Swift sweeps away at American Music Awards
Tagesschau 09:00 a.m., 21.11.2022
With that, Swift increased her own record from 34 to 40 awards – she is also the musician with the most AMA awards in the history of the awards ceremony, ahead of Michael Jackson with 26 awards.
Award for ESC winners
Things didn’t fare quite so well for the night’s most-nominated favorite, Bad Bunny. The Latin star won in just two out of eight possible categories. Meanwhile, there was joy at Maneskin: The Italian ESC winners from 2021 were able to take home the trophy for the best rock song (“Beggin”) after they went away empty-handed last time.
The three-hour ceremony was moderated by US entertainer Wayne Brady. In changing colorful suits and in front of a neon backdrop in the style of “Miami Vice”, the comedian led through the evening with all sorts of self-deprecating gags and singing interludes. He himself does not know exactly how he ended up on this stage. In any case, the central message is: just be yourself.
Remembering the dead in Colorado Springs
Brady’s dig at the recent Oscars, where Hollywood star Will Smith slapped his fellow actor Chris Rock in front of the cameras, elicited embarrassed laughter. “Nobody’s going to gossip here today,” Brady joked.
In places, however, the mood also became serious. This is how the moderator commemorated the victims of a bloody crime at a nightclub in Colorado Springs that is popular with gays, lesbians and the trans community. A gunman had killed five people and injured 25 others the day before.
Boos at Chris Brown
Some of the award winners also used their moment to express their condolences. Dove Cameron, who won Best Newcomer, dedicated her award to the LGBTQ+ community. “I want to remind everyone how important it is for queer people to be visible,” the 26-year-old said in her acceptance speech.
Chris Brown’s award for Best R&B Artist caused mixed reactions. Brown has a history of being known for violence against women. “Calm down,” singer Kelly Rowland responded to boos from the crowd as she accepted the award on his behalf.
Two Pianos for Lionel Richie
On the other hand, there was a standing ovation for singer Pink, who took a musical journey back in time to 1978 and paid tribute to the “Grease” actress, who died in August, with Olivia Newton-John’s “Hopelessly Devoted to You”. Rapper Cardi B made a surprise appearance. She joined Glorilla in the performance of their song “Tomorrow 2”.
Two pianos were rolled onto the stage at the end of the show in honor of Lionel Richie. Soul legend Stevie Wonder and singer Charlie Puth thrilled in a duet with a medley of his most famous songs. The 73-year-old received the “Icon Award” this year: since the music award was launched in 1973, Lionel Richie has been the only artist to have appeared on the AMA stage in each of the five decades.
fans voted
Alongside the Grammys, the American Music Awards are among the most important awards in the US music industry. They are awarded in categories such as pop, country, hip-hop, rock and R&B. The nominations are based on the musicians’ album sales figures, and fans can vote for the winners online.