“Seven boys from Korea, together for their love of music, were blessed with the help and support of all the armies across the world.”
The American Music Awards on Sunday crowned BTS artists of the year, overcoming challenges from Taylor Swift, Drake, and The Weeknd while collecting three wins in total and teaming up with Coldplay for a raucous “My Universe” and “Butter.”
“Seven boys from Korea, united by a passion for music, were brought together by the love and support of all the armies all around the world,” said BTS’ RM after the band won their first artist of the year award. “This is all a miracle. We would never take this for granted.”
The band was also given the title of favorite pop duet or group and the accolade for “Butter.”
The second pandemic year was marked by a blend of live and pre-recorded performances to celebrate the finest popular music. The Grammys red carpet kicked off on a fun, R&B note with Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s “Smokin’ Out the Window,” which was pre-recorded, and Jennifer Lopez’s “On My Way” from her forthcoming romantic comedy “Marry Me.”
The scheduled performance of “Butter” by BTS and Megan Thee Stallion was postponed after the rapper cited personal issues for withdrawing from the show Saturday. She ended up being a massive winner: her “Good News” for favorite hip-hop album and her “Body,” which won the award for most popular song, were both huge surprises.
Olivia Rodrigo had the most noms with seven, but she was snubbed for favorite new artist of the year. “I love writing songs and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported my work,” she added.
Taylor Swift’s “evermore” defeated Rodrigo’s favorite pop album. In a recorded address to her followers, Swift stated: “I’m so fortunate to have you in my life.” Also on Sunday, Swifty won for favorite female pop artist, increasing her career total to 34, the AMA record for the most awarded artist.
On a stage covered in flowers, Rodrigo sang her number one hit “traitor,” while Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean performed their pre-recorded duet “If I Didn’t Love You.” Bad Bunny put on a show with Julieta Venegas and Tainy when they sang their song “Lo Siento BB :/.
Måneskin, an Italian band, made their USA debut at the Golden Globes singing “Beggin.” Chlöe of Chloe x Halle arrived on stage to perform her smash solo debut track “Have Mercy,” swinging her hair and twerking. In a silvery gown, Mickey Guyton received loud cheers as she sang her national anthem “All American,” shouting out “How are you doing?” throughout.
The fan-voted program aired live from Los Angeles on ABC. The awards were based on streaming, album, and digital sales, radio play, and social activity to represent the period Sept. 25, 2020 through Sept. 23, 2021.
Becky G was recognized as favorite female Latin artists, and she expressed gratitude to the Latinx community. “You are not alone,” she told them. “We are the American Dream.”
Machine Gun Kelly received the prize for favorite rock artist. “I’d want to accept this on behalf of all the aspiring musicians who want to play an instrument, rap, or sing—not just the rock artists,” he remarked.
On Sunday, Swift took home the favorite female pop artist award, Sheeran won the male honor, and “Kiss Me More,” a collaboration between Doja Cat and SZA, was named song of the year. Kanye West was named the public’s favorite gospel artist.
Underwood was named favorite inspirational artist and favorite female country artist, with Doja Cat winning two additional honors: favorite female R&B artist and her planet Her was named best R&B album.
Bryan was chosen as the country artist people most appreciated, while Bad Bunny was selected as the favorite male Latin music artist. The Weeknd was named favorite male R&B artist, while Drake was declared the favorite male hip-hop artist. Gabby Barrett won the favorite country album and song for “Goldmine” with her debut effort.
For the more seasoned fans, New Edition and New Kids on the Block performed together for one song. “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” “Candy Girl,” “Step By Step,” “Mr. Telephone Man,” and “Can You Stand the Rain,” were among the songs performed by the Boston-based collectives in rotation. They also collaborated on “If It Isn’t Love,” “Hangin’ Tough,” and “Is This the End.”
Bad Bunny’s “El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo” was the preferred Latin album.
Cardi B performed, wearing a never-ending stream of new outfits, and the crowd was revved up. Her song “Up” was later chosen as the favorite hip-hop track by The Associated Press. Cardi B’s representatives requested permission to photograph her while she was on stage, which the AP refused to accept because of the restriction.
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