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 2020 American Music Awards for her hit song at the event held at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater on Sunday night.
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.
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
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
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
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.
The 30-year-old Canadian crooner – real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye – 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.
Ouch: The Weeknd kicked off the 2020 American Music Awards 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
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.’
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.
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
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.
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.’
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
2020 American Music Awards Winners
Artist Of The Year
Justin Bieber
Post Malone
Roddy Ricch
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
The Weeknd has eight nominations, leading the pack
New Artist Of The Year
Lewis Capaldi
Doja Cat – WINNER
DaBaby
Lil Baby
Roddy Ricch
Megan Thee Stallion
Roddy Rich is tied with The Weeknd for the most nominations, also with eight
Collaboration Of The Year
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch – Rockstar
Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber – 10,000 Hours
Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande – Rain On Me
Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé – Savage Remix
Megan Thee Stallion was honored with five nods
Favorite Social Artist
BTS
Billie Eilish
EXO
Ariana Grande
NCT 127
Taylor Swift has four nominations. She also holds the record for most AMAs ever
Favorite Music Video
Doja Cat – Say So
Future ft. Drake – Life Is Good
Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande – Rain On Me
Taylor Swift – cardigan
The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock
Justin Bieber
Post Malone
The Weeknd
Lady Gaga earned four nominations
Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock
Dua Lipa
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift
Favorite Duo Or Group – Pop/Rock
BTS – WINNER
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
BTS received two nods. They’ll also be performing their hit Dynamite
Favorite Album – Pop/Rock
Harry Styles – Fine Line
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
Post Malone is up for three awards
Favorite Male Artist – Country
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Favorite Female Artist – Country
Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Favorite Duo Or Group – Country
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
Dan + Shay have three nominations and will also be performing
Favorite Album – Country
Luke Combs – What You See Is What You Get
Blake Shelton – Fully Loaded: God’s Country
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
Roddy Ricch
DaBaby earned four nominations
Favorite Female Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop
Cardi B
Nicki Minaj
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
Favorite Song – Rap/Hip-Hop
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP – WINNER
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch – Rockstar
Roddy Ricch – The Box
The Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion collaboration WAP earned two nominations on its own
Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B
Chris Brown
John Legend
The Weeknd
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
Doja Cat received four nominations. She’ll be performing with Bebe Rexha at the show
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
J Balvin
Ozuna
J Balvin has two award nominations
Favorite Female Artist – Latin
Becky G – WINNER
KAROL G
Rosalía
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
Billie Eilish is up for two awards. She will also give her premiere performance of Therefore I Am
Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock
Billie Eilish
Tame Impala
twenty one pilots
Favorite Artist – Adult Contemporary
Lewis Capaldi
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
Devotional singer Lauren Daigle is up for favorite Contemporary Inspirational artist
Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational
Lauren Daigle
for KING & COUNTRY
Kanye West
Favorite Artist – Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
Kygo
Lady Gaga
Marshmello
Favorite Soundtrack
Birds of Prey: The Album
Frozen II
Trolls: World Tour
