This year’s American Music Awards took place at the Microsoft Theater in LA, on November 22. The event marked deserved “kings” and “queens” in the American music industry. The biggest number of nominations were assigned to Justin Bieber, Dan +Shay, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. Each of them got three awards. Swift also approved her position of leader in the contest, as she won the most awards throughout the show’s history – 32 AMAs, which in total beats the top-runner Michael Jackson.

The host for the ceremony was chosen in July – the 50-year-old actress Taraji P. Henson. Everything was broadcasted from the Microsoft Theater venue.

It was the sixth time for Swift to receive the “Artist of the year” award, the fifth – to win in favorite female pop/rock artist category, that set her a new record, and the second time in a row to win favorite video. In the female pop/rock vocalist category, singer outran Whitney Houston and Olivia Newton-John, who were winners four times. The absolute winner accepted her award remotely. Unfortunately, she couldn’t come due to the re-recording of the earlier albums.

That was not a surprise that Bieber became favorite male artisst in the pop/rock genre. It’s his fourth victory, meaning he’s a new leader in that category. Previous records belonged to Michael Bolton, Eric Clapton, Jackson, and Barry Manilow – each of them was the most favorite three times. Bieber was also awarded two nominations for his country-pop collaboration with Dan + Shay duo. The song was recognized as the collaboration of the year and favorite single in country style.

The category for a favorite song by genre is a relatively new idea – the AMAs created it five years ago. And during that time Justin Bieber took such awards in three particular genres – pop/rock in 2016 with “Love Yourself” and again in 2017 as the featured artist on viral Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito.” In 2017 he was also warded for favorite song—rap/hip-hop dor his collab with  DJ Khaled “I’m the One.”

Additionally, talented country duo Dan + Shay received recognition as favorite duo or group – for the second year in sequence.

The Canadian singer The Weeknd was highlighted with three awards in the soul/R&B genres. He became favorite male artist for the second time, while his 2020 album After Hours won as favorite album and track “Heartless” as favorite song.

Among breakthroughs of the year should be mentioned Doja Cat. She is a new artist of the year, despite this award was suggested to be given to Roddy Rich. The second award of the rising star was for favorite female artist in soul/R&B. It’s the first such case in 14 years that this award wasn’t given to Rihanna or Beyonce.

A similar situation occurred with the favorite female artist—country category. Maren Morris won, making it the first time in 14 years that that award has gone to someone other than Swift or Carrie Underwood.

BTS also was awarded twice. The band remains a favorite social artist for the third year in a row—the entire time the award has been presented. A second award was for favorite duo or group—pop/rock, for the second year in a sequence.

Another unexpected breakthrough of the year was rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The young artist was nominated in 3 categories, and together with Cardi B took favorite single—rap/hip-hop for “WAP.” 

Nicki Minaj took favorite female artist—rap/hip-hop. She also won favorite song—Latin for “Tusa” ft. Karol G.

Lauren Daigle took favorite contemporary inspirational artist for the fourth time, gaining the same result as Casting Crowns for the most wins in the category’s existence.

Kane Brown took favorite male artist—country for the third year in a row.

The night’s biggest surprise, perhaps, was the win of Birds of Prey: The Album, which topped Frozen II in favorite soundtrack nomination.