Taylor Swift worked the stage with her performance of Blank Space. She did a full stage production complete with costume changes, tricks, and boys. Don’t call her just country anymore.
Taylor also won the Dick Clark Award. She is the first to win this award, and it was presented to her by the legend, Ms. Diana Ross.
Pitbull followed Taylor’s performance with a few jokes, and he performed with Ne-Yo.
One Direction took the first award of the evening for Favorite Band, Duo or Group — Pop/Rock. They also won Favorite Album — Pop/Rock for Midnight Memories.
All the performances of the evening were fantastic; Iggy Azalea, Ariana Grande, Lorde, Fergie, Selena Gomez, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj.
Katy Perry won Favorite Female Artist — Pop/Rock. She accepted from Australia while on tour. Carrie Underwood won Favorite Female Artist — Country, and Beyonce won Favorite Album — Soul/R&B.
Sam Smith won Favorite Male Artist — Pop/Rock. He kills his performance every time.
Pitbull’s voice was a little battle-worn by the time he introduced Garth Brooks.
But Garth Brooks had the audience on their feet singing along with his song, People Loving People.
Mary J. Blige was up next and sang her new song, Therapy.
And the next award was for Favorite Country Album and the AMA went to Brantley Gilbert for Just As I Am. This is his third album and his first AMA win.
And what would the award show be without the ladies performing Bang Band. Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj tore the song up. The gold outfits didn’t hurt either.
The most prestigious award of the night Artist of the Year went to One Direction. This was their fifth AMA of all time and their third of the evening.
Pitbull wrapped up the show when he announced the last performance of the evening was Jennifer Lopez and Iggy Azalea. The safest way to keep the show on the air was to put the performance of Booty last. But Jennifer knows how to put on a show.
The 2014 American Music Awards was a great show. The AMA got another one under their belt, and they can check this one off as a win.
Tanya Hart