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 six 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
Threesome: Though Taylor earned the top award of the night, it was The Weeknd – who happened to have bandages all over his face which is a reference to his persona for his After Hours album – who hit the podium the most with three wins during the broadcast
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.
She also won Favorite Music Video and Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock though the wins did not make it on the broadcast. The awards added to her success at the show as she has won 32 over her career which is most ever for the AMAs.
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.’
This came just days after it was reported that Scooter Braun sold Swift’s highly-coveted masters from the Big Machine Label Group for over $300 million amid a 17 month feud.
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’
Wow: 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
Top dog: 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 39-year-old music executive unloaded the master rights to the 30-year-old’s first six albums to Los Angeles-based private equity firm Shamrock Holdings, according to a Monday report from Variety.
The deal, which was sanctioned within the last two weeks, is believed to be over $300 million and may even rise as high as $450 million, according to the entertainment publication.
Braun’s company Ithaca Holdings LLC purchased Nashville-based independent record label Big Machine, which was founded by Scott Borchetta in 2005, in June 2019 for just above $300 million.
The deal included Swift’s catalog — from her 2006 self-titled debut to 2017’s Reputation – along with all her music videos recorded within that time frame, and her album artwork.
The Man: Scooter Braun (left) has sold Swift’s highly-coveted masters from the Big Machine Label Group for over $300 million according to a report from Variety earlier this week
At the time, Swift voiced public outrage that Braun had acquired the rights to her master recordings. She called the situation a ‘worst case scenario’ and said the news made her ‘sad and grossed out’ because, in part, she claims Braun perpetuated ‘incessant, manipulative bullying’ against her for years to ‘dismantle’ her musical legacy.
Following Braun’s sale of Swift’s catalog to Shamrock, the music mogul and his backers will retain the remainder of Big Machine – whose other artists include the likes of Sheryl Crow, Lady A, and Tim McGraw – for a fraction of their original investment.
Shortly after the sale made headlines on Monday, Swift spoke out about it on Twitter, accusing Braun of denying her the chance to own her old masters.
Silenced: Swift claimed on Monday that Braun demanded she sign an ‘ironclad’ NDA which would silence her before she could begin discussions with BMLG Records about regaining ownership of her songs
Disappointed: The singer also revealed Shamrock Holdings as the private equity firm that bought the masters in a recent deal. She shared a letter she sent Shamrock after they reached out to her to inform her about the deal
A Timeline: Taylor Swift’s feud with Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta
Taylor Swift signed to Big Machine Records in 2006, which has released all but one of her albums.
In 2018, Swift signed with Universal Music Group, but Big Machine Records still retains the exclusive rights to her entire back catalogue of master recordings.
Timeline of a feud: Taylor Swift, seen here this summer, is in dispute with Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta over her back catalogue
Here’s how the public feud began:
June 30, 2019: Braun’s $300million deal is announced
The Wall Street Journal reported that Scooter Braun reached a deal of more than $300million to purchase Big Machine Records and with it, all of Swift’s old music.
On the same day, Swift shared a blog post saying that for years she pleaded for a chance to own her work but was only given an opportunity to sign back up to Big Machine Records and ‘earn’ one album back at a time, ‘one for every new one I turned in’.
She claimed in the post that she ‘walked away because I knew once I signed that contract, Scott Borchetta would sell the label, thereby selling me and my future’.
Long working relationship: Taylor Swift signed to Big Machine Records in 2006, which has released all but one of her albums; she is seen with Scott Borchetta in 2013
July 1, 2019: Scott Borchetta releases statement on the sale
Borchetta, the man who sold Swift’s catalog to Braun, says the singer has been misleading about the situation, claiming she had the chance to purchase her work and knew well ahead of time of the deal.
In an open letter on the label’s website, Borchetta, 56, who founded Big Machine Label Group, claimed the songstress had a shot earlier at buying the work, which fell through when she inked a pact with Universal Music Group.
On the same day, celebrities voiced their views. Halsey and Cara Delevingne rushed to support Swift as Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato and Braun’s wife, Yael Cohen, voiced their support for him.
July 2, 2019: Braun faces backlash for bragging about purchase
Braun faced furious backlash over his now-deleted Instagram post that bragged about him ‘buying Taylor Swift’ as he claimed he tried to have a mature conversation with her about the purchase of her catalog of past albums.
When the news first broke – and before Swift responded angrily – Braun was re-posting messages of congratulations from friends and colleagues on his Instagram story.
One of the messages that Braun re-posted and later deleted from his Instagram story congratulated him on ‘buying’ the 29-year singer.
Controversial sale: Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun in June 2019
July 3, 2019: Swift’s lawyers deny she knew about $300m sale
Her lawyer denied claims that Swift had an opportunity to buy her masters before it was eventually sold to Braun.
Borchetta had previously claimed that Swift knew about the sale.
The lawyer refuted claims that the Shake It Off singer was informed months in advance that Big Machine was up for sale.
August 21, 2019: Swift confirms she’s re-recording songbook
The singer announced her plans to re-record her songbook to regain control of her master recordings.
August 23, 2019: Swift celebrates release of first album not owned by Braun
Swift told Good Morning American that her Lover album is so special because ‘it’s the first one that I will own’.
On the same day, Swift slammed Braun in a separate interview, saying: ‘And the person who bought my art, he’s never made any art in his life, so he doesn’t know what it’s like.
‘He could never understand that personal connection. When you make something and then someone buys it out from under you…’ she said, referring to Braun.
August 25, 2019: Swift blasts Borchetta for selling her music
Swift told CBS Sunday that she only found out about the secret $300million deal when it was news online.
‘I found out when it was online, like, when it hit the news,’ she said.
‘I knew he [Scott Borchetta] would sell my music, I knew he would do that,’ she began.
‘I couldn’t believe who he sold it to, because, we’ve had endless conversations about Scooter Braun and he has 300 million reasons to conveniently forget those conversations.’
September 16, 2019: Braun insists he had no ‘malicious intent’ when buying Taylor Swift’s back catalogue masters
Braun insisted he had no ‘malicious intent’ when he bought Big Machine Records.
‘I don’t do anything with malicious intent,’ the 38-year-old power broker told Tony Gonzalez’s Wide Open podcast.
‘I try to do things above board. I try to do the right thing. Not everyone’s gonna be happy with everything that you do, and I think in the long-term, I’ve learned this over time, the truth always comes out, and I’m confident in that.’
November 14, 2019: Swift says she’s banned from singing on TV
Swift claimed that Big Machine Records founder, Borchetta, and music executive Braun have effectively told her ‘shut up or you’ll be punished’.
She claimed they told her that she wouldn’t be able to perform a planned medley of her greatest hits at the American Music Awards next Sunday where she is due to receive Artist of the Decade.
They have also allegedly denied permission to use her old songs on a Netflix documentary that has been two years in the making.
November 15, 2019: Big Machine Records releases statement denying her claims
Swift’s former record company hit back at the singer for making ‘false’ claims that the label banned her from singing her own songs on television.
In a statement, Big Machine Label Group alleged that Swift owes ‘millions of dollars’ to their label and that her social media posts are threatening the safety of their employees.
November 22, 2019: Scooter Braun makes public appeal to end feud after his family received death threats
Braun shared a public letter on Instagram which read in part: ‘Since your public statement last week there have been numerous death threats directed at my family.’
He also said: ‘I assume this was not your intention but it is important that you understand that your words carry a tremendous amount of weight and that your message can be interpreted by some in different ways.’
He made it clear he wants to ‘rectify the situation’ and is ‘open to ALL possibilities.’
Scooter ended his letter with another plea for a resolution – but admitted ‘many’ had told him it was unlikely he and Taylor would meet face-to-face as she’s more interested in creating her own ‘narrative’.
Scooter ended the post with a screenshot of a threatening message he’d received towards his himself, his wife Yael Cohen and their three young children.
Taking a stand: Taylor began her performance at the American Music Awards oon November 24 wearing a white dress shirt with the titles of all her albums on it including 1989 and Fearless
November 24, 2019: Swift performs her hits at the American Music Awards amid controversy
Taylor Swift took aim Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta during her highly-anticipated Artist of the Decade performance amid their highly-publicized feud before revealing to the audience that she has had the ‘hardest’ year ever.
The 29-year-old hitmaker began her performance at the American Music Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on Sunday wearing a white button-down dress shirt with the titles of all her older albums on it including 1989 and Fearless.
She sang her female empowering hit – The Man – before shedding the top to symbolically hit back at the record executives as they own her old catalog of music despite her writing all of it.
The song plays with the perception of men and women in society as she previously explained to Vogue: ‘If I had made all the same choices, all the same mistakes, all the same accomplishments, how would it read?’
It was quite the setlist as she played Love Story, I Knew You Were Trouble, Blank Space, and Shake It Off in that order sandwiched between The Man and Lover.
December 12, 2019: Swift slams Scooter Braun as she accepted Billboard’s first-ever Woman of the Decade award
Swift took at at Scooter while accepting Billboard’s first ever Woman of the Decade award
The Lover hitmaker took aim at the music mogul during her acceptance speech at the Billboard Women in Music Awards 2019 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles and she also hit out at his supporters.
Taylor told the crowd: ‘Lately there’s been a new shift that has affected me personally, and as your resident loud person, I feel like I need to bring it up. And that’s the unregulated world of private equity coming in and buying up our music as if it’s real estate, or an app, or a shoe line.
‘This happened to me without my approval, consultation or consent.
‘Scooter [Braun] never contacted me or my team to discuss it prior to the sale.’
Taylor also called out a number of Scooter’s supporters, saying it is ‘the definition of the toxic male privilege in our industry to say, ‘Well, he’s always been nice to me.’
‘Of course he’s nice to you; if you’re in this room, you have something he needs.’
April 23, 2020: Taylor Swift slams family of billionaire investor George Soros and nemesis Scooter Braun for their ‘shameless greed’ on the release of a new live album
The superstar took to Instagram to slam the executives in the latest war of words over the ownership of her music.
‘It looks to me like Scooter Braun and his financial backers, 23 Capital, Alex Soros, and the Soros family and The Carlyle Group, have seen the latest balance sheets and realized that paying $330 million for my music wasn’t exactly a wise choice and they need money,’ Swift wrote in the post.
Swift finished off her note to her 131 million fans with a biting statement aimed at the executives as she wrote: ‘In my opinion… Just another case of shameless greed in the time of the coronavirus.
‘So tasteless, but very transparent.’
The album in question appears to be titled ‘Live From Clear Channel Stripped 2008’ as some diehard Taylor fans were able to find it listed on Spotify.
Swift wrote: ‘Hey guys – I want to thank my fans for making me aware that my former record label is putting out an ‘album’ of live performances of mine tonight.
‘This recording is from a 2008 radio show performance I did when I was 18. Big Machine has listed the date as a 2017 release but they’re actually releasing it tonight at midnight.’
November 16, 2020: Taylor Swift’s masters are SOLD by Scooter Braun for over $300 MILLION
Music executive Braun unloaded the master rights to the 30-year-old’s first six albums to an unnamed investment fund according to Variety.
The buyer and actual price has yet to be reported but the deal is believed to be over $300 million and closed within the last two weeks according to the entertainment publication.
The sale comes at an interesting time as Swift is now free to re-record songs from her first five BMLG-issued albums as of this month.
Shortly after the sale made headlines on Monday, Swift spoke out about it on Twitter, accusing Braun of denying her the chance to own her old masters.
She detailed how she unsuccessfully tried to negotiate the purchase of the rights to her old music catalog, claiming that Braun demanded she sign an ‘ironclad’ NDA which would silence her before she could even begin discussions with BMLG Records.
The singer also claimed the masters were sold without her knowledge, and she revealed the name of private equity company Shamrock Holdings as the new owners of her work.
Along with her post Swift also shared a letter she sent to Shamrock after they reached out to her to inform her of the purchase.
The Bad Blood hitmaker informed them that she had been excited at the prospect of partnering with them but after learning that Braun is still going to profit off the catalog she realized there was no way forward.
She detailed how she unsuccessfully tried to negotiate the purchase of the rights to her old music catalog, claiming that Braun demanded she sign an ‘ironclad’ NDA which would silence her before she could even begin discussions with BMLG Records.
The singer also claimed the masters were sold without her knowledge, and she revealed the name of private equity company Shamrock Holdings as the new owners of her work.
Along with her post Swift also shared a letter she sent to Shamrock after they reached out to her to inform her of the purchase.
The Bad Blood hitmaker informed them that she had been excited at the prospect of partnering with them but after learning that Braun is still going to profit off the catalog she realized there was no way forward.
Though Taylor earned the top award of the night, it was The Weeknd who hit the podium the most during the actual event with three wins during the broadcast.
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 for his album After Hours
The persona was created in order to warn his fans against drunk driving by showing what kind of injuries can happen when being under the influence leads to car accidents.
Ouch: The Weeknd kicked off the award show in fine form as he earned the first win of the night in the Soul/R&B Album category
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
Triple threat: Lastly he beat out Chris Brown and John Legend for the Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B award for his third crystal pyramid of the night
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.’
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.
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.’
Double duty: 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
Stunning: She looked fantastic as she addressed the crowd in her evening gown
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’
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.
Stealing the show: Not to be outdone Megan Thee Stallion brought the house down as she debuted her brand new single Body, while serving just that in black mesh
Simply stunning: It also marked her debut performance at the awards show, and it’s safe to say she’ll be welcomed back for years to come
Rocking it: The Houston-born rapper could be heard professing: ‘I love my body. Every curve, every inch, every mark, every dimple. It’s decoration on my temple. My body is mine, and nobody owns it but me’
Lots to love: She twerked throughout the performance
Center of attention: Spotlights lit up her sparkling jeweled black fishnet bodysuit, layered over a black bra and matching underwear
Frontwoman: She performed atop a platform at the middle, twerking along with her dancers, before descending the stairs to the front
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.
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
New music: The stage went dark again, as a backlit Shawn Mendes, who started their collab Monster, from his upcoming fourth album Wonder, which drops December 4
Bromance: Bieber then joined him atop the square white stage, singing his part from the collab, as Mendes got up on his feet
Dynamic duo: Katy Perry and Darius Rucker performed a new version of her it Only Love
She can fly: Dua Lipa literally levitated, as she appropriately performed her new hit Levitating from Royal Albert Hall in London
Among the stars: She sparkled in a blue jeweled mini dress, as she put on a show with her matching dancers in front of a cosmo-lit backdrop
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
Girl power: Doja Cat, 25, served girl power with Bebe Rexha, 31, as they took to the stage to perform their new collab Baby I’m Jealous
Serving looks: Doja went full cavewoman in a bone-constructed bra with a fur-lined loincloth and fur-covered boots. Bebe donned a white patent leather ensemble with fringe shoulder pads and thigh-high boots covered in buckles, finished with a white sunburst crown
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.
Not to be outdone Megan Thee Stallion brought the house down as she debuted her brand new single Body, while serving just that in black mesh.
It also marked her debut performance at the awards show, and it’s safe to say she’ll be welcomed back for years to come.
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
Her eyes appeared on a giant screen, along with her gorgeous curves, as she prefaced the tune with an empowering mantra.
The Houston-born rapper could be heard professing: ‘I love my body. Every curve, every inch, every mark, every dimple. It’s decoration on my temple. My body is mine, and nobody owns it but me.
‘And whoever I choose to let in is lucky. You may not think my body is perfect, and it may never will be. But when I look in the mirror, I love what I see. So, are you ready?’
Scantily clad dancers took their positions onstage, as Megan was lowered onto a pedestal in a giant ring.
Spotlights lit up her sparkling jeweled black fishnet bodysuit, layered over a black bra and matching underwear.
She performed atop a platform at the middle, twerking along with her dancers, before descending the stairs to the front.
Going green: Megan Fox lead the star-studded parade of presenters as she introduced her boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly
Wow factor: She showed off her fab figure in a green mini dress featuring several cutouts
Pretty in punk: Machine Gun Kelly, 30, was accompanied by Travis Barker, 45, to perform Bloody Valentine and My Ex’s Best Friend, from his fifth studio album Tickets to My Downfall. He sported a punk look in a sleeveless white jumpsuit, as they performed under pink lights against a row of lockers at ‘Downfalls High’
Golden girl: Cara Delevingne was one of the many presenters
Glitter: The model demanded attention in a shimmering gold suit
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
The Good News artist spit some body-positive lyrics from the new track, while offering some seductive moves.
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.
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.
Glistening: Lopez, 51, turned heads as she showcased her famously fit physique in a glistening silver get-up
All the drama: The On The Floor singer’s evening wear consisted of a plunging cowl neck top and a matching maxi skirt that featured a dramatic slit down one leg
Rhinestone realness: Dua Lipa, 25, had her signature assets on full display in a quirky white mini dress that was decked out into in multi-toned rhinestones
Model behavior: Delevingne, 28, slipped her impeccable model frame into a shimmering duo-chrome suit
Radiant: Ciara, who took to the stage to present The Weeknd with the very first award of the evening, rocked a pair of thigh high black patent leather boots that poked out from beneath her stunning color-blocked gown
Goddess: Doja Cat, 25, was clearly inspired by the elegance of Greek goddesses as she modeled a striking strapless dress that ruched up to expose one of the singer’s shapely legs
Make it fashion: The award ceremony’s hostess Taraji P. Henson turned her precautionary face shield into a fashion statement for Sunday night’s red carpet
Barbarella: Laverne Cox served Barbarella realness as she appeared on the red carpet in a voluminous golden blonde wig and a statement making black and gold leotard
Flair for the dramatic: The actress, 48, posed with one arm in the air in order to show off her ensemble’s gorgeous chiffon bat sleeve
Hot couple: Machine Gun Kelly, who earned his first number one album this year, had his main gal Megan Fox, 34, by his side for the night as they posed for shutterbugs on the carpet
Futuristic: Paris Hilton kept it futuristic femme in a chrome-toned mini dress that featured an exaggerated plunging neckline and angular shoulders
Ravishing: Like many other ladies in attendance on Sunday, pop star Bebe Rexha looked ravishing in rhinestones
Marvelous in Mauve: Kristin Cavallari highlighted her trim and toned body in a figure-hugging mauve maxi dress that included a chic mock neck and a leg slit
Big winner: Becky G looked like the ultimate glamour girl as she accepted the award for Favorite Latin Female Artist at the 2020 American Music Awards
Best of both worlds: The 23-year-old star posed with her leg out in a floor-length ivory dress that featured a partially bedazzled bustier
Suave: Before hitting the stage with Jennifer Lopez, Maluma put on an ultra suave display in a well fitting navy blue suit
2020 American Music Awards Winners
Artist Of The Year
Justin Bieber
Post Malone
Roddy Ricch
Taylor Swift – WINNER
The Weeknd
Top dog: Taylor Swift earned the top prize Artist Of The Year
New Artist Of The Year
Lewis Capaldi
Doja Cat – WINNER
DaBaby
Lil Baby
Roddy Ricch
Megan Thee Stallion
Say So: 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
Collaboration Of The Year
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch – Rockstar
Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber – 10,000 Hours – WINNER
Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande – Rain On Me
Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé – Savage Remix
Double duty: Dan + Shay earned Collaboration Of The Year for 10,000 Hours for their work with Justin Bieber
Favorite Social Artist
BTS – WINNER
Billie Eilish
EXO
Ariana Grande
NCT 127
Dynamite: South Korean pop kings BTS won Favorite Social Artist
Favorite Music Video
Doja Cat – Say So
Future ft. Drake – Life Is Good
Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande – Rain On Me
Taylor Swift – cardigan – WINNER
The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock
Justin Bieber – WINNER
Post Malone
The Weeknd
Holy: Justin Bieber beat out Post Malone and The Weeknd to earn Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock
Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock
Dua Lipa
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift – WINNER
Favorite Duo Or Group – Pop/Rock
BTS – WINNER
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
Favorite Album – Pop/Rock
Harry Styles – Fine Line – WINNER
Taylor Swift – folklore
The Weeknd – After Hours
Favorite Song – Pop/Rock
Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved
Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now – WINNER
Post Malone – Circles
Roddy Ricch – The Box
The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
Proud: Dua Lipa was the second winner of the night as she earned Favorite Song – Pop/Rock for Don’t Stop Now
Favorite Male Artist – Country
Kane Brown – WINNER
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Favorite Female Artist – Country
Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Favorite Duo Or Group – Country
Dan + Shay – WINNER
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
Favorite Album – Country
Luke Combs – What You See Is What You Get
Blake Shelton – Fully Loaded: God’s Country – WINNER
Morgan Wallen – If I Know Me
Favorite Song – Country
Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber – 10,000 Hours – WINNER
Maren Morris – The Bones
Blake Shelton (Duet with Gwen Stefani) – Nobody But You
Favorite Male Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop
DaBaby
Juice WRLD – WINNER
Roddy Ricch
Favorite Female Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop
Cardi B
Nicki Minaj – WINNER
Megan Thee Stallion
Favorite Album – Rap/Hip-Hop
Lil Baby – My Turn
Lil Uzi Vert – Eternal Atake
Roddy Ricch – Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial – WINNER
Favorite Song – Rap/Hip-Hop
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP – WINNER
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch – Rockstar
Roddy Ricch – The Box
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
Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B
Chris Brown
John Legend
The Weeknd – WINNER
Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B
Jhene Aiko
Doja Cat – WINNER
Summer Walker
Favorite Album – Soul/R&B
Doja Cat – Hot Pink
Summer Walker – Over It
The Weeknd – After Hours – WINNER
Threesome: Though Taylor earned the top award of the night, it was The Weeknd who hit the podium the most with three wins during the broadcast
Favorite Song – Soul/R&B
Chris Brown ft. Drake – No Guidance
Summer Walker – Playing Games
The Weeknd – Heartless – WINNER
Favorite Male Artist – Latin
Bad Bunny – WINNER
J Balvin
Ozuna
Latino gang:Bad Bunny won Favorite Male Artist – Latin and Favorite Album – Latin for YHLQMDLG
Favorite Female Artist – Latin
Becky G – WINNER
KAROL G
Rosalía
Wonder in white: Becky G beat out Karol G and Rosalia to win Favorite Female Artist – Latin
Favorite Album – Latin
Anuel AA – Emmanuel
Bad Bunny – Las que no iban a salir
Bad Bunny – YHLQMDLG – WINNER
Favorite Song – Latin
Bad Bunny – Vete
Black Eyed Peas X J Balvin – RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)
KAROL G & Nicki Minaj – Tusa – WINNER
Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock
Billie Eilish
Tame Impala
twenty one pilots – WINNER
Favorite Artist – Adult Contemporary
Lewis Capaldi
Jonas Brothers – WINNER
Maroon 5
Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational
Lauren Daigle – WINNER
for KING & COUNTRY
Kanye West
High praise: Devotional singer Lauren Daigle earned Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational
Favorite Artist – Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
Kygo
Lady Gaga – WINNER
Marshmello
Favorite Soundtrack
Birds of Prey: The Album – WINNER
Frozen II
Trolls: World Tour