Photo courtesy of Chrizta T., Flickr
Award shows are usually a blur. Between the crazy performances and celebrities debuting something new, even one moment away from the television means missing out. This year, one of the most anticipated award shows of the year, the American Music Awards, was definitely one of those shows people did not want to miss.
“Blackish” television star Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the award show, but before she started the night full of her humor, Jamie Foxx opened up the show. Accompanied by his 23-year-old daughter Corrine, they honored the first responders from the most recent terrorist attack in New York City to those who helped in California’s wine country wildfires.
“We needed the power of music to help us heal, from hurricanes, wildfires, hate, hatred filled violence. 2017 was a year that tested our faith — in these moments of crisis, heroes emerged,” Foxx said.
P!nk and Kelly Clarkson, who both returned to the stage twice that night, joined forces for the very first time to sing a powerful version of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” to honor these first responders.
Demi Lovato used her performance as a moment to send a message to her haters on Twitter by displaying their extremely negative comments about her right before performing her hit single, “Sorry Not Sorry.” Many people on social media came out to say that the performance was moving, showing how powerful it is to put her foot down to everyone who’s attacked her in the past.
Another highlight of the night was Nick Jonas’ performance of “Find You,” which gave a very sexy vibe to anyone watching. Shawn Mendes also performed and won the award for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist.
Selena Gomez had people talking before the show even began. The singer and most followed person on Instagram went blonde right before she was set to hit the stage for the very first time since her kidney transplant. Unlike many celebrities who typically make drastic hair changes by opting for a wig, the star actually dyed her hair. Gomez’s performance was another big topic of conversation of the night aside from her hair. Gomez was highly critiqued online, many accusing her of lip-syncing.
P!nk came back to perform but instead of being on stage, she decided that hanging off the side of a building was the best place to perform her new song “Beautiful Trauma.”
Diana Ross received the Lifetime Achievement Award with heart-warming messages from Former President and First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama. The 73-year-old singer, whose voice seems to not have changed, came out before being awarded by singing a compilation of her greatest hits, really making everyone take a trip down memory lane. Ross was accompanied on stage by almost her entire family, including host Tracee Ellis Ross.
Whitney Houston was also honored at the American Music Awards, with a performance by Christina Aguilera. The 36-year-old singer, who has been absent on stage for quite some time, had one of her best performances during the show. Although, like the rest of her fellow performers, Aguilera also faced some criticism, but not for her performances. Many people had a problem with Aguilera’s “lip fillers,” viewing them as a distraction.
Bruno Mars quietly took the biggest wins of the night, having won seven awards, including Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for his hit single, “That’s What I Like.” Country singer Keith Urban took the stage after Mars, having won a few awards himself that night. Niall Horan, best known for being part of One Direction, won Best New Artist of the Year.
The show wrapped with a performance by Korean boy band BTS, making it the first time a Korean performance occurred at the American Music Awards.
dherrera@ramapo.ed
