The 2020 American Music Awards was a star studded spectacle starting with Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes and ending with a BTS mashup.
Our favorite artists proved that the show can go on without an audience. (Taraji P. Henson’s comedic timing as host was just the icing on the cake.)
Favorite AMAs Wins
For many, a highlight of the AMAs was Taylor Swift accepting the coveted award for Artist of the Year. The songstress thanked fans virtually from a studio in Nashville where she is re-recording her first six albums. Swift made sure to show love for her latest record, the critically acclaimed folklore, as well.
The Weeknd took Downtown LA by storm in his performance of “In Your Eyes” with Kenny G before sweeping the show’s Soul/R&B category. The singer-songwriter won the AMA’s Favorite Male Soul/R&B artist, album, and song. He accessorized his look with a bandaged face to bring awareness to drunk driving.
Doja Cat also graciously accepted two AMA awards, singing the names of everyone she wanted to thank in one of her speeches. The newcomer went on to perform a dystopian version of “Baby, I’m Jealous” alongside Bebe Rexha, as well.
Becky G and Lewis Capaldi made the night their own with a heartfelt acceptance speech from the Latin singer and a soulful rendition of “Before You Go.”
Showstopping Performances
Pop star and American Idol judge Katy Perry made her first return to the stage since giving birth to her daughter, singing an intimate version of “Only Love,” alongside Darius Rucker.
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas breathed new life into “Therefore I Am” during this year’s AMAs. A glowing red stage, narrow hallways, and a staircase leading to nowhere was a simple but effective way to take the new song up a notch. Similarly, performing “Levitating” while elegantly swinging from the ceiling was Dua Lipa, live from London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Both Jennifer Lopez and Megan Thee Stallion made the AMA stage their own, as well, with two grand productions. J.Lo was accompanied by Maluma for back-to-back performances of “Pa’ Ti” and “Lonely,” while Miss Stallion gave a high energy show of her new song “Body.”
Actress Megan Fox returned to the Hollywood eye by introducing her boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly to the stage. The rapper-turned-rockstar played a medley from his #1 album, Tickets to My Downfall, alongside Blink-182’s Travis Barker.
The three hour event invited stars new and old to lend a hand in celebrating 2020’s award-winning talent. It was clear that social distancing didn’t stop the attendees fun.
The full list of the 2020 American Music Award winners and performances can be found here.
