The American Music Awards is the start of award season in Los Angeles and Sunday night did not disappoint. Presented at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles,The show was hosted by actress and star of the hit TV show, Blackish, Tracee Ellis Ross. This year, artists such as Niall Horan, Shawn Mendes, and many others received awards in a variety of categories.

Bruno Mars won Artist Of The Year, and although he wasn’t at the show, the awards showed a video of his gratitude and thanks to all of his fans. Lady Gaga also was not at the show in person, but she broadcasted to show her reaction at her own concert when she found out that she won Favorite Female Pop Artist. Her thanks was filled with positive energy and a message to never be afraid to be yourself and to embrace your differences. Another artist who sent in his thanks, but was not at the show was Luis Fonsi. His song “Despacito” won Collaboration of the Year, and Favorite Pop/Rock Song.

Irish singer Niall Horan, formerly of One Direction, won New Artist Of The Year due to his massive hits on the radio and newest album, Flicker. Horan also performed his song “Slow Hands” with a country twist on the usual acoustic.

Freshman Marissa Mendola said,“I really liked his performance. I’m a fan of his so I usually like a lot of what he does, but I especially liked how he kind of changed the tune of the song and I thought it sounded really good.”

There were also many performances of newer songs, and a tribute to Whitney Houston sung by Christina Aguilera. The show was opened with a performance from P!nk and Kelly Clarkson singing “Everybody Hurts.” P!nk also performed her song, “Beautiful Trauma.”

At the end of the show, the closing performance was Diana Ross singing a medley of her famous songs which included, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” At the end of her performance, she received the honourable Lifetime Achievement Trophy.

The 2017 AMA’s was an event to remember, with awards to tributes, many were blown away. This award celebration continuously brings new performances and recognizes the artists through the years.

Winners

Artist Of the Year: Bruno Mars

New Artist Of the Year: Niall Horan

Collaboration Of The Year: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber, “Despacito”

Tour Of the Year: Coldplay

Video Of the Year: Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”

Favorite Male Artist- Pop/Rock: Bruno Mars

Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock: Lady Gaga

Favorite Duo or Group- Pop/Rock: Imagine Dragons

Favorite Album- Pop/ Rock: Bruno Mars, 24K Magic

Favorite Song- Pop/Rock: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber, “Despacito”

Favorite Male Artist- Country: Keith Urban

Favorite Female Artist- Country: Carrie Underwood

Favorite Duo or Group- Country: Little Big Town

Favorite Album- Country: Keith Urban, Ripcord

Favorite Song- Country: Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”

Favorite Artist – Rap/ Hip-Hop: Drake

Favorite Album- Rap/ Hip-Hop: Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.

Favorite Song- Rap/Hip-Hop: DJ Khaled feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne, “I’m The One”

Favorite Male Artist- Soul/R&B: Bruno Mars

Favorite Female Artist- Soul/R&B: Beyonce

Favorite Album- Soul/R&B: Bruno Mars, 24K Magic

Favorite Song- Soul/ R&B: Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”

Favorite Artist- Alternative Rock: Linkin Park

Favorite Artist- Adult Contemporary: Shawn Mendes

Favorite Artist- Latin: Shakira

Favorite Artist- Contemporary Inspirational: Lauren Daigle

Favorite Artist- Electronic Dance Music: The Chainsmokers

Top Soundtrack: Moana