The 44th edition of the American Music Awards, an annual soiree that is a celebration of some of the most popular artists in modern American music, was dominated, for the most part, with anti-Trump sentiment. Though many stars came out for the ceremony, it was their anti-Trump vernacular that gained momentum in media worldwide
Having picked up 13 nominations, Drake took home four awards including the prestigious Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album.
MUSICMIX
Anti-Trump sentiment ruled the day, Drake took home four trophies, and more…
The 44th edition of the American Music Awards, an annual soiree that is a celebration of some of the most popular artists in modern American music, was dominated, for the most part, with anti-Trump sentiment. Though many stars came out for the ceremony, it was their anti-Trump vernacular that gained momentum in media worldwide.
Leading the pack was music group Green Day, who not only took the stage with great flair but also addressed the many fears ailing Americans about what a Trump presidency holds for them. Singing the song ‘Bang Bang’, the group’s leader Billie Joe Armstrong chanted the words: “No Trump! No KKK! No Fascist USA!” A handful of artists made references to United States president-elect; supermodel Chrissy Teigen said onstage, “really interesting, f*****up, f***** election” or Sting who called himself a “musical migrant” or the co-hosts for the night, Gigi Hadid and Jay Pharoah, who made multiple jokes roasting Trump.
Aside from all this, the award ceremony featured a slew of stand-out performances such as John Legend singing the anthem ‘Love Me Now’ and a collaborative performance by Ariana Grande (who was named artist of the year) and Nicki Minaj singing the track ‘Side to Side’. Green Day, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars also took the stage for electrifying sets, respectively.
In terms of winners, Sting took home a lifetime achievement award as well as the Award of Merit which was presented to him by Iron Man Robert Downey Jr. Before accepting the award, the British superstar performed a medley of his hits and had people standing in appreciation.
Drake, who collected a whopping 13 nominations, made a rare appearance at an award ceremony, accompanied by his father and took home four trophies including Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album.
Tyka Nelson, Prince’s sister, accepted the award for Best Soundtrack for Purple Rain on behalf of the late artist. “Prince defied the odds, a Black teen from Minneapolis with a goal to electrify the world,” Nelson said in an emotional speech. “He had the courage to be different. With his vision and god-given talent, he is still one of the world’s most respected and loved artists.”
The full list of AMA winners
Award of Merit
Sting
‑Favorite Band, Duo or Group - Pop/Rock
Twenty One Pilots
Favorite Album - Rap/Hip Hop
Drake - Views‑‑
‑Favorite Artist - Electronic Dance Music
The Chainsmokers
Collaboration of the Year
‑Fifth Harmony Ft. Ty Dolla Sign, ‘Work From Home’
Favorite Country Song
Tim McGraw ‘Humble and Kind’
New Artist of the Year
Zayn
Favorite Artist - Rap/Hip Hop
Drake
Top Soundtrack
Purple Rain
Favorite Band, Duo or Group - Country
Florida Georgia Line
Favorite Artist - Alternative Rock
Twenty One Pilots
Favorite Female Artist - Pop/Rock
Selena Gomez
Artist of the Year
Ariana Grande
Favorite Song - Rap/Hip Hop
Drake ‘Hotline Bling’
Favorite Male Artist - Soul/R&B
Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist - Soul/R&B
Rihanna
Favorite Album - Soul/R&B
Rihanna - Anti
Favorite Song - Soul/R&B
Rihanna ‘Work’
Favorite Artist Adult Contemporary
Adele
Favorite Artist Latin
Enrique Iglesias
