LOS ANGELES – Dubbed as the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, the 2021 American Music Awards came full force with a stacked line-up of eclectic, multi-genre performances, vibrant array of presenters and a host with a larger-than-life personality.
Broadcasting live from the Microsoft Theatre, Cardi B made her AMAs hosting debut and made sure to bring her signature Bronx flare along for the ride.
In addition to her role as a host, Cardi B also added winner to her list as she won the award for Favorite Hip-Hop Song.
Presenters for the night included Brandy, Winnie Harlow, Billy Porter, Anthony Ramos, JoJo Siwa, Liza Koshy, JB Smoove and others.
Clad in eye-popping red velvet suits, Silk Sonic brought old school funk and R&B to the AMAs as they opened up the show with a suave, groove-filled performance of their single “Smokin Out The Window.”
The hit-making duo would also go on to win the AMA for Favorite R&B Song for their single “Leave The Door Open.”
Coming off a huge night from the 2021 Latin Grammys, Bad Bunny’s hot streak continued as he scooped up two AMAs for Favorite Male Latin Artist and Favorite Latin Album and wowed viewers with an incredible, futuristic performance of his new collaborative single “Lo Siento BB,” with Tainy and Julieta Venegas joining him onstage.
Olivia Rodrigo, who also made her AMAs debut with an emotional performance of her song “Traitor,” won the award for New Artist of the Year.
“Thank you so much to the AMAs and to the fans who voted for this award, it means so much to me,” Rodrigo said. “Writing songs is my favorite thing in the whole world, and I’m so grateful for everyone who has embraced my music.”
Taylor Swift also nabbed herself the awards for Favorite Female Pop Artist and Favorite Pop Album for “evermore.”
“Thank you so much to the fans, this is an amazing honor,” Swift said in a pre-recorded video message. “The fact that you would do this for ‘evermore’, I’ve always been so proud of this album, I’ve always looked at ‘evermore’ as sort of ‘folklore’s’ adventurous, fun younger sister. So, thank you so much for doing this.”
K-pop supergroup BTS also had quite the night, as they not only delivered two stellar performances, but also took home the AMAs for Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop Duo or Group and Favorite Pop Song.
The group first joined Coldplay to perform their new collaboration “My Universe” and later returned to close out the night with a performance of their hit single “Butter.”
Megan Thee Stallion was originally scheduled to perform the remix version of “Butter” with BTS, but she withdrew from the performance due to “an unexpected personal matter.”
While Stallion was not able to be there physically, her presence was felt as she made a clean sweep, winning in all three categories that she was nominated in.
She nabbed the awards for Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist, Favorite Hip-Hop Album, and Favorite Trending Song.
Doja Cat, who earned five nominations this year, picked up three awards for Collaboration of the Year, Favorite Female R&B Artist, and Favorite R&B Album for her wildly successful “Planet Her” album.
Tyler the Creator, Jennifer Lopez, Kane Brown, Chlöe, Giveon, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, and more artists also took the stage for unforgettable performances.
Perhaps one of the most talked about moments of the night was the “Battle of Boston,“ where legendary groups New Kids On the Block and New Edition went head-to-head in a show-stopping medley.
Performing iconic hits like: “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” “Step by Step,” “Candy Girl,” “Mr. Telephone Man,” “Hangin’ Tough,” “Is This The End,” “Can You Stand The Rain,” “If Isn’t Love,” and “Please Don’t Go Girl,” it was a true testament that the so-called old school groups could still rock with the best of them.
