Highlights of the 2019 American Music Awards
The 47th annual American Music Awards (AMAs) was held this November and was interesting to say the least. . The AMAs are one of the biggest awards shows in the music industry. It was created in 1973 by Dick Clark for ABC to compete with the Grammy Awards. Winners were originally picked by fellow artists, but now, they are chosen by the public through the AMA website. This year’s show was hosted by Ciara, an American singer.
Before the show started, many artists were quick to steal people’s attention on the red carpet. Lizzo wore a short, layered, orange Valentino dress matched with a tiny white purse. The “Truth Hurts” singer said that only three of these purses exist because they were custom made. Billie Eilish wore a plaid Burberry outfit paired with a white bonnet with a glittery veil covering her face. Social media users were quick to comment, saying that she looked like a beekeeper.
The show began with Selena Gomez singing “Lose You To Love Me” and “Look At Her Now.” She faced criticism for singing off-key, but her fans were there to back her up. Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello swept everyone off of their feet with their popular duet, Señorita. They have been one of the most popular couples since the music video came out last June. They won for “Collaboration of the Year.” However, some critics say that they only won because of their relationship. Even Taylor Swift, another AMA performer, was seen cheering them on from the crowd!
Taylor Swift went home with six awards, which means that she surpassed Michael Jackson by having the most American Music Awards in history. She also showed that she has moved on from her recent drama. Swift used to work with Big Machine Records, who owned all of her songs. Her old label has been accused of prohibiting her from singing her old songs at the 2019 AMAs. To protest, she took advantage of her platform and went out on stage with a white shirt that had the names of her old albums (Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation), and ripped it off.
Billie Eilish performed “All the Good Girls Go to Hell” and received awards in “New Artist of the Year” and “Favorite Artist- Alternative Rock.” The young artist has been rising to the top of the charts recently. Despite her unique clothing and music style, her confidence draws the attention of many fans. Sophomore Mansi Airen agrees that “Billie Eilish is an amazing artist and deserves all of the awards she got at the AMAs.”
However, not all followers of the music industry were pleased with this year’s results. Post Malone took home the award for “Favorite Album- Rap/Hip-Hop” for Hollywood’s Bleeding. Many people have been debating whether or not he was truly qualified for this award because some say that he sings pop music, not rap music. BTS, a K-Pop group, also received awards for “Tour of the Year,” “Favorite Social Artist,” and “Favorite Duo or Group- Pop/Rock.” Freshman Cheryl Famulare says that “They didn’t deserve it. I mean, they aren’t even American, and their songs are mostly Korean…”
The 2019 American Music Awards definitely showcased lots of musical talent and created interest for those who enjoy modern American music.
