The largest fan-voted awards show, the AMA’s, honored some of the most popular artists in the industry on Monday, May 26.
Kendrick Lamar, a three-time AMA winner, earned the most nominations this year with 10, but only ended up taking home one award for Favorite Hip-Hop Song. Lamar competed in the two top categories including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, which ended up going to Billie Eilish. Taylor Swift fans expressed disappointment and confusion following Swift’s absence at the AMAs. Overall, the fans felt as if the AMAs were disrespectful and felt that Swift deserved more recognition, according to Daily Mail.
Post Malone had the second highest nomination count, earning 8 nominations this year. Malone ended the night with two wins: Favorite Country Song and Favorite Male Country Artist.
Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey each had seven nominations. While Taylor Swift, who holds the record for most AMA wins in history, with 40, earned six nominations this year, but didn’t win any of them. Again, fans of Taylor Swift were extremely unhappy with the results.
Jennifer Lopez returned to host the AMAs for a second time with Lopez performing the opening number. Other performers included Benson Boone, Gwen Stefani, Janet Jackson, and Rod Stewart.
Janet Jackson received the Icon Award while Rod Stewart received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Artist of the Year was awarded to Billie Eilish. New Artist of the Year was given to Gracie Abrams, and Song of the Year went to Billie Eilish, who took home those two awards! Along with Favorite Touring Artist which also went to Billie Eilish!
Favorite Music Video was awarded to “Die With A Smile” sung by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. Bruno Mars also took home Favorite Male Pop Artist. The Favorite Male Country Artist was given to Post Malone.
Favorite Male R&B Artist was given to The Weeknd and Favorite Female R&B Artist was awarded to SZA. Favorite R&B Album was also given to the album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” by The Weeknd. While Favorite R&B Song was given to “Saturn” by SZA. Both of these artists took home two awards.
Billie Eilish had a very successful night taking home seven awards. Eilish was nominated in all seven categories and took home wins in each category.