With the annual American Music Awards show concluded, we saw an array of amazing performances by fan-favorite artists. The American Music Awards (AMAs) premiered its 2021 show on November 21. The awards left viewers on the edge of their seats as the competition was full of tension. Along with the awarding, we also saw performances that no one expected — as well as a parade of outfits that are out of this world.

The competition for the awards was intense with social media outlets such as Tik-Tok boosting new artist careers, there was a mix of new and old artists up for the same awards. A few winners include BTS, a famous K-Pop band-winning artist of the year, Ed Sheeran winning favorite male artist and (unsurprisingly) Taylor swift winning favorite female artist. Overnight sensation Olivia Rodrigo was the top nominee, and took home one of the seven awards nominated for. Backed by Tik-Tok through her emotional journey through relationship drama, Rodrigo’s success with her album “Sour” proved that new artists have the same potential as big-name people in the industry.

On top of the artists, many songs that were trending throughout the year won their singers’ rightful awards. Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” a song that stormed the internet, was awarded favorite music video. Megan Thee Stallion, who has been under the radar recently, surprised no one with her award for Best Trending Song, “Body.” Her song has been everywhere on the internet and she performed it in the 2021 New Year making it one of her most successful songs. With their summer and playful vibes, SZA’s and Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” secured their title of Collaboration of the Year. Continuing the successes of Doja Cat, her long-awaited album “Planet Her” was crowned Best R&B album of the year.

The performances throughout the show did not disappoint. Recent EuroVision winner Måneskin performed their popular cover of the song “Beggin.” Other popular artists that performed include Silk Sonic with their song “Smokin Out the Window” and BTS with their song “Butter” which was also awarded Favorite Pop Song. A very anticipated performance by Rodrigo left fans in tears over her beautiful vocals and sad story in the song “Traitor.” Finally, for the old schoolers with a surprise appearance that I think no one expected: 90’s sensational R&B group New Edition performed a medley of their most popular songs like “Candy Girl,” “Mr.Telephone Man” and “Can You Stand The Rain,” leaving their loving fans a sense a joy with their reunion. They even appeared with another popular 90’s group: New Kids on the Block, sending 90’s hip-hop fans into ecstasy. 

The AMA’s finished out with some of the most impressive performances by our favorite awards winners. Many of the performances can be found on YouTube and other video sites, and they are most definitely worth the watch.