On Sunday, November 23rd, the 2014 American Music Awards were broadcast live on ABC.
Taylor Swift began the awards show with a performance of Blank Space. The staging was made to look like her music video and included zombie ex-lovers. This year, performer, Pitbull was the host.
The British boy-band, One Direction won twice. They were voted the artist of the year and the favorite pop/rock group. Australian rapper, Iggy Azalea also won two awards.
For most people, the highlight of the evening was British singer, Sam Smith. From the reports, people loved that he just stood there and sang well…no gimmicks!
The American Music Awards, known as the AMAs, are given to top performers throughout the music industry on an annual basis. Awards are given in the Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin, Soundtracks and Contemporary Inspirational genres of music. In addition to the awards in each of the genres, an Artist of the Year is named from all groups combined.
The AMAs are voted on by a poll of music buyers and the public. The American Music Awards have nominations based on sales, airplay, activity on social networks, and video viewing.
Dick Clark started the American Music Awards in 1973. Michael Jackson co-hosted the first event with Donny Osmond. Roberta Flack won the first award given in 1973.
Clay Aiken has attended and participated in the AMA’s three times. On November 16, 2003, Clay played a large role in the show. He arrived on the Red Carpet with his friend Amber Nix and was nominated for two awards, Favorite Male Artist and Fan Choice. Clay won the Fan Choice Award. Clay also performed on the program. Clay sang a short version of Invisible and was then joined by Ruben Studdard for an outstanding rendition of Jesus Is Love. They received a standing ovation.
On November 11, 2004. Clay was a presenter on the program. He was joined on stage by Kathy Griffin who was dressed as a bride. She announced to the audience that she was going to marry Clay. Despite the distraction, Clay was able to present the award for the Best Male Country Artist.
Clay hit the Red Carpet one more time at the AMA’s. In 2006, Clay participated in a skit with Tori Spelling. The two made fun of Clay’s tiff with Kelly Ripa and received lots of laughs and applause.
I have to admit that the only times I have watched the show are the three times that Clay Aiken was a part of the show. I am not a huge fan of popular music and so the shows are just not my cup of tea!
The following video is fun. Clay was amazing when he sang at the AMA’s.
Did you watch the American Music Awards this year?
Just the opening
So nice to see this!! Hope we see Clay on stage again soon!!
Like you, the only times I watched the AMA show was when Clay was there.
I didn't watch the AMA's either. Haven't watched for many years. Guess I'm getting too old to appreciate all the 'dancing'. It used to be that the music awards were for vocals, but now it is how good is the video production. I do remember the years that Clay won and presented the awards. As I recall, he seemed uncomfortable in that setting especially the year that Kathy Griffin was the co-presenter. Can't blame him, I was uncomfortable with that skit too.
Lovely video, have watched it before. Love the pics, thanks Musicfan.
Loved watching the "Jesus is Love" performance again. Clay's note went forever!!!!!!!
Thanks again Musicfan for the trip down memory lane….It's fun as always!
I watched most of it the other night. I like keeping up with todays singers even if they aren't as good as out Clay. Sam Smith being the exception. Someone who actually just stands there and sings like our guy! Loved how the audience stood up too!