BTS, the South Korean boy band, won artist of the year at the American Music Prizes on Sunday, beating out Taylor Swift, Drake, and The Weeknd for a total of three awards. They collaborated with Coldplay for a rowdy “My Universe” and concluded the program with “Butter.”
“Seven Korean lads, united by their love for music, received love and support from all the troops around the world,” BTS’ RM stated after the group won their first artist of the year award. “Everything has turned out to be a miracle.” Seriously, this is something we would never take for granted.”
The band was also named favorite pop pair or group, while “Butter” was named favorite pop song.
With a mix of live and pre-taped performances, the presentation honored the best popular music for a second pandemic year. Bruno Mars and Anderson from Silk Sonic. Jennifer Lopez pre-taped her “On My Way” from her upcoming romantic comedy “Marry Me,” and Anderson Paak kicked off the Oscars on a funky, R&B, and pre-taped note with their “Smokin Out the Window.”
BTS and Megan Thee Stallion were supposed to perform “Butter” earlier this week, but the rapper had to cancel due to personal reasons. She was voted favorite female hip-hop artist, her album “Good News” was named favorite hip-hop album, and her single “Body” was named favorite trending song, a new category this year.
Olivia Rodrigo had the most nominations going into the night, but only won the award for favorite new artist of the year. “Writing songs is my absolute favorite thing in the world, and I am really grateful to everyone who has supported my music,” she said.
Rodrigo’s favorite pop album has been replaced by Taylor Swift’s “evermore.” “I’m so happy to be in your life,” Swift said in a taped speech to her admirers. Swift also took up the award for favorite female pop artist, giving her a total of 34 awards in her career, making her the most honored artist in AMA history.
Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean brought a little country to the stage with their pre-taped duet “If I Didn’t Love You.” Rodrigo performed her hit “traitor” live on a stage covered in flowers, and Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean brought a little country to the stage with their pre-taped duet “If I Didn’t Love You.” Bad Bunny played their single “Lo Siento BB:/” with a little help from Julieta Venegas and Tainy.
Mneskin, an Italian band, made their awards show debut in the United States with their viral song “Beggin.” Chlöe of Chloe x Halle drifted down onto the platform, swinging her hair and twerking as she sang her popular debut single as a solo artist, “Have Mercy.” While singing her patriotic song “All American” in a silvery robe and shouting out “How y’all doing?” Mickey Guyton received a round of applause.
The fan-voted awards event was broadcast live on ABC from Los Angeles. The nominees were chosen based on streaming, album and digital sales, radio airplay, and social media activity between September 25, 2020, and September 23, 2021.
Becky G took home the award for favorite female Latin performers and expressed gratitude to the Latinx community. “You’re not alone,” she assured him. “We are the embodiment of the American dream.”
Gun-machine Kelly won the prize for best rock artist. “I want to accept this for all aspiring musicians, for anyone who wants to play an instrument, rap, or sing — not just rock musicians, but all artists,” he stated.
Swift was chosen favorite female pop artist, Ed Sheeran was selected favorite male pop artist, and Doja Cat’s work with SZA on “Kiss Me More” was named collaboration of the year in awards handed out before the program. Kanye West was named as the most popular gospel artist.
Doja Cat also got two awards: favorite female R&B artist and favorite R&B album for her song “Planet Her.” Underwood was voted favorite inspiring singer and favorite female country artist, while Doja Cat was selected favorite female R&B artist and her song “Planet Her” was named favorite R&B album.
The favorite country artist was Luke Bryan, and the favorite male Latin musician was Bad Bunny. The Weeknd was named best male R&B artist, while Drake was named best male hip-hop artist. Gabby Barrett won best country album and best country song for “Goldmine” and “The Good Ones,” respectively.
New Edition and New Kids on the Block performed together for the older audience. “You Got It (The Right Stuff”), “Candy Girl,” “Step By Step,” “Mr. Telephone Man,” and “Can You Stand the Rain,” “Is This the End,” “Hangin’ Tough,” and “If It Isn’t Love” were among the hits traded between the Boston-based band.
Bad Bunny’s “El ltimo Tour Del Mundo” was voted the best Latin album.
Cardi B, who was dressed in a continual stream of changing ensembles, enthralled the audience. Her song “Up” was later chosen the best hip-hop tune. The Associated Press was unable to transmit photographs of Cardi B while she was onstage due to a limitation imposed by her representatives, which the AP refused to accept.