Last night (18th November), some of music’s biggest stars made their way to LA to perform at the 2012 American Music Awards, which was celebrating its 40th birthday.
The night was dominated by the likes of Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. JB won several awards, including ‘Artist of the Year’, whilst Nicki, who was tied with Rihanna for the most nominations (four), ended the night victorious in the rap/hip hop album category and best rap/hip hop artist category. RiRi herself was busy on tour and was unable to attend- that’s her excuse anyway.
The real highlights of the night came from the performers and from the spectacular sets, dancers and backing singers that accompanied them. Usher (who’s covering just about every major live event at the moment) opened the night with his “Looking for Myself” medley, ending in inevitable “Climax“, before Nicki Minaj (who performed twice) dressed up and walked in a sort of pop-star Narnia for a stunning rendition of her new single “Freedom“. She was quickly upstaged by Swizz Beats, Ludacris and Chris Brown, who came together to say happy birthday to the AMAs with an energetic performance of “Everyday Birthday” , but ultimately the night belonged to Korean Youtube sensation PSY. Joined by special guest MC Hammer, the viral king closed out the show in “Gangnam Style“, delivering his world famous routine to rapturous applause.
Watch some footage from what was probably the most bizarre awards ceremony of 2012 below:
Usher- “Looking for Myself” Medley
http://youtu.be/BF_eNOnYPlA
Nicki Minaj – “Freedom”
http://youtu.be/eEBPFCVj_EQ
Swizz Beatz, Chris Brown & Ludacris – “Everyday Birthday”
http://youtu.be/l2ZTdoVvi7A
PSY x MC Hammer – “Gangnam Style”
http://youtu.be/WOyo7JD7hjo
Ke$ha – “Die Young”
http://youtu.be/H5CpV9oY45s
P!nk – “Try”
http://youtu.be/LjtDLPqUMC8
Christina Aguilera – Lotus/Army Of Me/ Let there be love
http://youtu.be/QwCQCbSfihs
No Doubt – “Looking Hot”
http://youtu.be/NYmn7QG2sFw
Justin Bieber x Nicki Minaj
http://youtu.be/Wu9-U2FY5aM
2012 American Music Awards Winners List
Artist of the Year
Justin Bieber – WINNER
Old Navy New Artist of the Year
Carly Rae Jepsen – WINNER
Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist
Justin Bieber – WINNER
Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist
Katy Perry – WINNER
Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group
Maroon 5 – WINNER
Favorite Pop/Rock Album
Believe – Justin Bieber – WINNER
Favorite Country Male Artist
Luke Bryan – WINNER
Favorite Country Female Artist
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Favorite Country Band/Duo/Group
Lady Antebellum – WINNER
Favorite Country Album
Blown Away – Carrie Underwood – WINNER
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj – WINNER
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album
Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – Nicki Minaj – WINNER
Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist
Usher – WINNER
Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist
Beyoncé – WINNER
Favorite Soul/R&B Album
Talk That Talk – Rihanna – WINNER
Favorite Alternative Artist
Linkin Park – WINNER
Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist
Adele – WINNER
Favorite Latin Artist
Shakira – WINNER
Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist
tobyMac – WINNER
Favorite Electronic Dance Music
David Guetta – WINNER