American Music Awards 2020 WINNERS: Taylor Swift announces she is currently RERECORDING all of her old music while accepting top honor... and The Weeknd earns THREE trophies in front of limited audience
- Despite rising COVID-19 numbers rising across the country, there was a limited audience in attendance 'in small groups, from the same families'
- Organizers for the award show have taken several precautions to make it as safe an event as possible
- Anyone who is entering the venue was tested in advanced and the production crew has worked with unions and received guidance from L.A. County Department of Public Health
- Facial coverings were also required for anyone not on stage inside of the venue with the one exception being background dancers who will also be required to wear masks
Taylor Swift earned the top prize at the 2020 American Music Awards but perhaps the biggest news of all was her announcement that she is currently rerecording all of her old music amid her very public feud with Scooter Braun over the masters of her first five albums.
The 30-year-old singer was not in attendance at the award show held at Los Angeles' Microsoft Theater on Sunday night but instead opted to appear via satellite as she accepted the Artist Of The Year Award and made the big revelation.
She said: 'I'm re-recording all my music, and it's been amazing, and I can't wait for you to hear it.'
The music gala - which is considered to be one of the biggest in the industry - took place in front of a limited audience 'in small groups, from the same families' with several safety cautions taken including testing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Huge news: Taylor Swift earned the top prize at the 2020 American Music Awards but perhaps the biggest news of all was her announcement that she is currently rerecording all of her old music amid her very public feud with Scooter Braun over her first five albums
Interesting approach: The music gala - which is considered to be one of the biggest in the industry - took place in front of a limited audience 'in small groups, from the same families' with several safety cautions taken including testing amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Taylor beat out heavy competition including Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Roddy Ricch, and The Weeknd who took home the most awards of the night with three.
The pop megastar made sure to thank her Swifties as she said: 'This is a fan voted award, which means so much to me. You guys have been beyond wonderful. All the years of my career, but especially this one, when we've been so far apart, we haven't been able to see each other in concert, but I still feel connected to you.
'Your reaction to Folklore, I am so lucky. I'm re-recording all my music, and it's been amazing, and I can't wait for you to hear it.'
Though Taylor earned the top award of the night, it was The Weeknd who hit the podium the most with three wins.
Ouch: Though Taylor earned the top award of the night, it was The Weeknd who hit the podium the most with three wins
Grateful: The 30-year-old Canadian crooner - real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye - was given the honor for his critically acclaimed album, After Hours, at the award show which took place at Los Angeles ' Microsoft Theater on Sunday night
Proud: He said: 'Thank you. Wow. Last time I received this award, it was given to me by the late, great prince. And, you know, he's the reason I get to constantly challenge the genre of R&B. And, yeah, I'd like to dedicate this award to him. Thank you'
Leggy lady: Ciara looked stunning as she presented the first award of the night to The Weeknd
Sweet: The Weeknd was greeted with a smooch from the talented Ciara
The 30-year-old Canadian crooner - real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye - kicked off the award show in fine form as he earned the first win of the night in the Soul/R&B Album category as he was given the honor for his critically acclaimed album After Hours.
As the Weeknd - who was presented the award by Ciara - had previously received the award from Prince, he dedicated the win to the late legendary musician.
He said: 'Thank you. Wow. Last time I received this award, it was given to me by the late, great prince. And, you know, he's the reason I get to constantly challenge the genre of R&B. And, yeah, I'd like to dedicate this award to him. Thank you.'
Viewers may be confused by the singer's appearance as his head was completely wrapped in bandage, however, it has all been part of the character he has played throughout the visuals which have accompanied his recent music including music videos and award show performances.
Art: The Weeknd later hit the streets of downtown Los Angeles to perform a medley of his After Hour hits including In Your Eyes and Save Your Tears
Big horn energy: Kenny G joined The Weeknd during the debut performance
In fact just 20 minutes later, he hit the streets of downtown Los Angeles to perform a medley of his After Hour hits including In Your Eyes and Save Your Tears.
His second win of the night came in the Favorite Song - Soul/R&B for his hit Heartless.
The Weeknd kept his speech short and sweet as he said: 'Thank you. I love you, too, baby. Thank you. Illangelo helped me produce this song. Anton [Tammi] directed such an insane music video. I want to thank them, and all the fans at home watching this right now. And, yeah, that's it. Thank you.'
Lastly he beat out Chris Brown and John Legend for the Favorite Male Artist - Soul/R&B award.
Megan Thee Stallion was a big winner as she accepted the Favorite Song - Rap/Hip-Hop award for her controversial collaboration, WAP, with Cardi B.
The 25-year-old rapper hit the stage to accept the crystal pyramid at the gala event for her hit song at the event.
Rocking it: Megan Thee Stallion was a big winner as she accepted the Favorite Song - Rap/Hip-Hop award for her controversial collaboration, WAP, with Cardi B
Cardi was not in attendance but Megan accepted on their behalf as she said: 'First of all, hey, y'all. Thank you, everybody, from me and Cardi. We super appreciate this. Thank you to all the people that supported it.
'Thank you to all the people that supported, all that people that showed love. We super appreciate it. And just thank you, god, thank you, mama, I know you're watching over me. And thank you grandma for watching from home.'
Megan looked absolutely stunning in a lime green mini dress featuring a blinged out detailing on the straps and around the chest along with strappy black stilettos.
Solo act: Cardi was not in attendance but Megan accepted on their behalf as she said: 'First of all, hey, y'all. Thank you, everybody, from me and Cardi. We super appreciate this. Thank you to all the people that supported it'
Glittering: Megan grinned from ear-to-ear as she showed off her new trophy
Jaw dropping: Megan looked absolutely stunning in a lime green mini dress featuring a blinged out detailing on the straps and around the chest along with strappy black stilettos
Top dog: Megan happily walked backstage with her new piece of hardware
Doja Cat was another big winner on the night as she earned two awards: Favorite Female Artist - Soul/R&B and the coveted New Artist Of The Year.
The 25-year-old singer - real name Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini - beat out heavy competition for the New Artist Of The Year gong including Lewis Capaldi, DaBaby, Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, and Megan Thee Stallion.
What a moment: Doja Cat was another big winner on the night as she earned two awards: Favorite Female Artist - Soul/R&B and the coveted New Artist Of The Year
Big deal: The 25-year-old singer - real name Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini - beat out heavy competition for the New Artist Of The Year gong including Lewis Capaldi, DaBaby, Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, and Megan Thee Stallion
Interesting: She said: 'Wow. Again? Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you to my fans, and this time I wrote a song about all the people I want to thank because I couldn't remember names'
She said: 'Wow. Again? Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you to my fans, and this time I wrote a song about all the people I want to thank because I couldn't remember names.'
The Say So hitmaker then broke into song as she said: 'So it went -- yeti, Gordon, Sal, Lydia, mom, Josh, something, something, something, Peter, John, and Joe.
'Thank you guys so much. I love you. This is insane. And stay safe. And I am just, I'm -- thank you, I'm out of here. I love you guys so much.'
Despite rising COVID-19 numbers rising across the country, there was a limited audience in attendance as organizers for the award show have taken several precautions to make it as safe an event as possible
Host Taraji P. Henson acknowledged the audience at the beginning of the show as she said: 'Wait, do you hear that? That glorious -- yes. That's the glorious sound of alive in the house applause. Yes, we have some special guests here tonight. We invited them in small groups, from the same families.
Proud: Dua Lipa was the second winner of the night as she earned Favorite Song - Pop/Rock for Don't Stop Now
Wonder in white: Becky G looked fantastic as she earned Favorite Female Artist - Latin
Happy: She gave a special shoutout to her grandfather
Hitmakers: Dan + Shay won Favorite Song - Country for their collaboration with Justin Bieber titled 10,000 Hours
'They're all here, socially distanced, wearing masks, COVID tested. Yes, we're very responsible. And like everyone else here, just happy to be out of the house. So let me hear it. Oh, humans, humans. Y'all look so good up there, yes, kings and queens.'
The audience was primarily in the loge and mezzanine areas of the theater as the seats in front of the stage were humorously taken up by cardboard cutouts of A-listers including Beyonce, Jay-Z and Dolly Parton.
A Dick Clark Productions spokesperson told Rolling Stone on Saturday: 'We have rigorous Covid-19 safety guidelines and protocols in place — approved by the unions and with guidance from L.A. County Department of Public Health — that are beyond what is required.'
Anyone who is entering the venue was tested in advanced and will continue to be tested throughout the production until wrap.
Crossed: It was a night of several performances by some of the biggest stars in music, however, no doubt the most talked about one will be from Jennifer Lopez
Twosome: The 51-year-old appeared with Maluma, as they performed collabs from their upcoming romantic comedy Marry Me
Wow factor: Striped lights lit her up, as she showcased her body in a sheer black catsuit, while performing their tracks Pa Ti and Lonely
Steamy: Lopez extended her killer legs as she stood atop a table, before she sat opposite Maluma, delivering a sexy musical interrogation
Back-to-back: She left him for centerstage, leading the dancers in a sizzling chair dance, flaunting her gorgeous figure in the barely-there ensemble
Facial coverings were also required for anyone not on stage inside of the venue with the one exception being background dancers who will also be required to wear masks.
The production spokesperson told the music publication: 'Everyone inside our footprint, with the exception of artists on stage who are singing or speaking, will be wearing facial coverings and maintain social distancing at all times.
'When artists are not on stage singing, presenting, or accepting an award, they will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, we disinfect our set every evening and in between performances during pre-production, rehearsals and in the live show.'
Dua Lipa was the second winner of the night as she earned Favorite Song - Pop/Rock for Don't Stop Now.
Comeback: Justin Bieber kicked off the show as he did a medley of hits including Lonely and Holy
Happy: Justin definitely looked in his element
Dynamic duo: Katy Perry and Darius Rucker performed a new version of her it Only Love
Rock star: Billie Eilish gave her premiere performance of Therefore I Am
Bond: Her brother FINNEAS joined her on stage as he played the bass whole wearing a face mask
Living legend: Nelly performed several hits as he celebrated Country Grammar's 20th anniversary
The 25-year-old hitmaker accepted the award via satellite in London as she said: 'Oh, my god. Thank you so much. Thank you, amas. Thank you to all the fans and the listeners, I'm so grateful and so honored. This is so surreal and exciting. And I'm lost for words. Thank you so much to my team, my managers, Ben and Jules. Thank you, Kathy, my label, Warner records.
'Oh, my god. This is crazy. Thank you so much to my team, my girls, my friends, my family, and a massive thank you to my collaborators because I couldn't have done this song without you guys. Thank you so much. We have to celebrate. We have to celebrate. Thank you.'
It was a night of several performances by some of the biggest stars in music, however, no doubt the most talked about one will be from Jennifer Lopez.
The 51-year-old appeared with Maluma, as they performed collabs from their upcoming romantic comedy Marry Me.
She stood on a dark smokey stage, as a cross-shaped spotlight illuminated her glam mug and blonde beach waves.
Striped lights lit her up, as she showcased her body in a sheer black catsuit, while performing their tracks Pa Ti and Lonely.
Lopez extended her killer legs as she stood atop a table, before she sat opposite Maluma, delivering a sexy musical interrogation.
She left him for centerstage, leading the dancers in a sizzling chair dance, flaunting her gorgeous figure in the barely-there ensemble.
Justin Bieber kicked off the show as he did a medley of hits including Lonely and Holy before welcoming Shawn Mendes to the stage to end with their latest collaboration song Monster.
Hostess with the mostess: Taraji then hit the stage to do an impressive and energetic dance routine set to top pop music including Megan Thee Stallion before doing her monologue
Shining star: She certainly showed off her twerking skills
Lonely? Taraji is shown being surrounded by an ocean of empty seats during one of her introductions
Wow factor: The talented actress showed off a very leggy look
Though the pandemic has made it a unique year, host Taraji promised everyone an 'electrifying night of music' with the awards.
Taraji then hit the stage to do an impressive and energetic dance routine set to top pop music including Megan Thee Stallion before doing her monologue.
Planned performances from Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, The Weeknd and Billie Eilish are already generating buzz.
The Canadian crooner will be back at the AMAs for the first time in four-years, set to woo the crowd with a medley of songs, including “Holy” and “Lonely” with special guest Benny Blanco,
Smile singer Perry will mark 10-years since her first appearance on the show.
Meanwhile, Blinding Lights artist The Weeknd's track Save Your Tears will get its television debut with the help of saxophonist Kenny G.
Golden girl: Cara Delevingne was one of the many presenters
Glitter: The model demanded attention in a shimmering gold suit
Billie Eilish will also give her premiere performance of Therefore I Am.
Other artists include Bebe Rexha & Doja Cat, Dan + Shay, Lewis Capaldi, Machine Gun Kelly, Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, BTS, Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez & Maluma, Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, Nelly, Shawn Mendes and Bell Biv DeVoe.
In addition to his performance, The Weeknd will be competing in eight categories, tied with Roddy Ricch for the most nominations.
Megan Thee Stallion was able to earn five while Bieber, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Bad Bunny and DaBaby each received four nominations.
Swift already holds the record of most AMAs, with 29, so scoring any more would assure she keeps that top spot.
The 2020 AMAs will air live on ABC on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
A-list crowd? The audience was primarily in the loge and mezzanine areas of the theater as the seats in front of the stage were humorously taken up by cardboard cutouts of stars including Beyonce and Jay-Z
Aligned: Dolly Parton was also shown as a cutout along with Rosalia
What's up with the bandages??
by Macchick 98