The 2010 American Music Awards (AMAs) aired live from Los Angeles on ABC this past Sunday night. For me, they were a huge disappointment this year. Not only were the nominations for great artists down, but the ones that took away awards destroyed any valuable image that the AMAs had held in the past.
I attribute this opinion to the Winning Artist of the Year, but more on that later.
The night started off with a great performance from Rihanna, who performed three of her biggest hits, "Love the Way You Lie," "What's My Name," and "Only Girl (In the World)." She rocked retro to flirty with her versatile outfits and gave a convincing performance to a crazy crowd. Other live performances included artists like Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift (rocking straight hair), Pink, Ke$ha, The Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera for her upcoming movie "Burlesque," Justin Bieber, Usher, Train, Enrique Iglesias, Ne-Yo, Kid Rock, Bon Jovi, and Santana who was joined by Bush's Gavin Rossdale.
The first award of the night was given to Usher, who walked away with the awards for both Favorite Male Artist of Soul/Rhythm & Blues Music as well as Favorite Album, "Raymond v. Raymond," for Soul/Rhythm & Blues Music. Rihanna claimed Favorite Soul/Rhythm &Blues Music Female Artist of the Year, while Lady Gaga, dressed to a T in her crazy outfit, claimed the Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist of the Year. Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group went to The Black Eyed Peas. Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year was up next, awarded to Eminem for "Recovery." Eminem also took Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist.
Taylor Swift claimed title for Favorite Country Female Artist for her place amongst Top Hits, while Carrie Underwood walked away with Favorite Country Album for her new album "Play On," released November 3, 2009. Brad Paisley, recent winner of Country Artist of the Year of the CMAs, walked away from the AMAs with an award for Favorite Country Male Artist. Lady Antebellum claimed Favorite Country Band, summing up a successful year for them.
As the night wound down, so the anticipation for Artist of the Year peaked. Up for grabs for the big title were artists like Justin Bieber, Eminem, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. The winner: Justin Bieber. This little star prodigy took the stage for his forth award of the evening, having already snatched up the T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Award, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist, and Favorite Pop/Rock Album for his work "My World 2.0." He mounted the steps with a huge grin, flapping his leather jacket and flipping his side swept hair in contentment. In his speech he thanked his family, circling those well-known by him, and ending with legend Michael Jackson, claiming they all wouldn't "be here without him." Halfway through, he called up pop artist Usher to share in his glory. They embraced and walked off stage together, arm in arm. I was beyond shocked that such a child, famous only because of those that sing his name and praises, could walk away from this award show with his arms full. What is our generation and musical world coming to?
The night ended with an eccentric performance from Kid Rock who was joined by old beat stars The Backstreet Boys. They sang an eclectic list of songs, pulling from both old and new for a great closing performance.
The Backstreet Boys reunited for the show.
