On Sunday, November 20th, Los Angeles hosted the 50th annual American Music Awards. From stellar performances to record-breaking wins, the AMAs was certainly a night to remember! 

Live from the Microsoft Theatre, comedian Wayne Brady hosts the #1 fan-voted award show, the American Music Awards. Bebe Rexha initiated the ceremony with a futuristic-themed performance of “I’m Good (Blue),” followed by P!NK roller-skating through the audience, singing her latest single, “I’m Never Not Gonna Dance Again.” Brazilian pop star, Anitta, performed “Lobby,” guest-starring rapper Missy Elliott. Country music icon, Carrie Underwood, performed “Crazy Angels” from her Denim and Rhinestones album while floating in an aerial cage above the audience.  

First-time AMA nominee, GloRilla, performed “Tomorrow 2” with a guest star appearance from Cardi B, followed by a performance of “California Breeze” and “In a Minute” by Lil Baby. Former Disney star, Dove Cameron, won Best New Artist (AMAs) before taking the stage to perform her hit single, “Boyfriend.” During Cameron’s acceptance speech, she dedicated her award to the queer community following the tragic shooting inside an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

Receiving the most honorable award of the night, R&B legend Lionel Richie received the AMA Icon Award (AMA). Since the 1970s, Richie has reached immediate stardom as a producer, singer, and outstanding songwriter. Over his 40-year career, he maneuvered between genres: R&B, pop, soul, jazz, and funk, proving himself multitalented. Richie has been a frequent artist at the AMAs over the years as a 17-time AMA winner. Stevie Wonder, Charlie Puth, and Ari Lennox paid tribute to Richie by performing popular hits, “All Night Long,” “Sunday Morning,” and many more. Richie’s future endeavors include his 2023 UK/EU Tour.   

Achieving the most AMAs, Taylor Swift won awards across pop and country genres. These include Favorite Female Pop Artist (AMA), Favorite Pop and Country Album for Red (Taylor’s Version) (AMA), Favorite Female Country Artist, and the honorable Favorite Music Video Award for “All Too Well (Short Film)” (AMA) and Artist of the Year Award (AMA). During her acceptance speeches, she thanked the Swifties and actors Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink for acting in her short film. 

Queen B, Bey, monotonously known as Beyonce, scored three AMAs for Favorite Female R&B Artist (AMA), Favorite R&B Song for “Break My Soul” (AMA), and Favorite R&B Album for Renaissance (AMA). The AMAs is the first time Beyonce received awards for her latest songs on her Renaissance album.    

Formerly, Artist of the Year recipients, BTS achieved three AMAs for Favorite Pop Duo/Group (AMA), Favorite K-Pop Artist (AMA), and AMA Fan Favorite for their 2021 AMA performance of their hit, “Butter” (AMA). Making history, BTS sets the record for the most consecutive Favorite Pop Duo/Group wins, initially achieving the award in 2019. Additionally, the septet is the most-awarded group of the night and the most-awarded Korean act in the history of AMA.   

Although scoring eight AMA nominations, Puerto Rican singer, Bad Bunny, won two AMAs for Favorite Male Latin Artist (AMA) and Favorite Latin Album for Un Verano Sin Ti (AMA). Additionally, Bad Bunny is the most-awarded Latin artist of the night. 

British pop sensation, Harry Styles, won two AMAs for Favorite Male Pop Artist (AMAs) and Favorite Pop Song (AMA). Styles lost Taylor Swift in most pop music categories, although he was nominated for five AMAs. Although, Styles remains present in many award shows, consistently winning two or more accolades. 

Known for his progressive musical style, Kendrick Lamar achieves two AMAs for Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist (AMA) and Favorite Hip-Hop Album for Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (AMA). His inspirational raps and lyrics that call out social changes make him the most influential hip-hop artist of his generation. 

Former Voice contestant Morgan Wallen won two AMAs for Favorite Male Country Artist (AMA) and Favorite Country Song for “Wasted on You” (AMA). Although the country singer couldn’t attend in person, he thanked the AMAs, via Instagram, for his two achievements.

View the entire winners list at https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2022-amas-winners-list-1235174393/