Jennifer Lopez proved as memorable as a host as the presenters and performers she introduced. J.Lo opened the 2015 American Music Awards with a medley where she claimed “it’s not about me, it’s about the music” before she proceeded to make it all about her. The Bronx bombshell danced to songs by Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé and Katy Perry in a routine that was the equivalent of Kendrick Lamar’s “Control” verse.
So, now that we got Lopez’s booty out of the way.
Nicki Minaj dominated the AMAs (take that, VMAs), sweeping the hip-hop categories and turning her time at the podium into a girl power rally. (She also used her stage moments to thank Drake [!], call Meek Mill her baby [!!] and shout out Fetty Wap for his early-career success [!!!].And, of course, Bey.)
Her label-mate, The Weekend, also scored two victories, including Favorite Soul/R&B album and Favorite Soul/R&B artist. One Direction also notched a pair of trophies; the boy band also won Artist of the Year. Taylor Swift earned the most victories of the night, however, the country/pop superstar wasn’t present and her wins were not televised.
Other highlights included performances that doubled as song premieres; both Gwen Stefani (“Used To Love You”) and Ariana Grande (“Focused”) used the broadcast as a way to debut potential new hits.
Stefani drew cheers for her performance, which, we can assume was a song about her ex-husband, Bush front man Gavin Rossdale. Demi Lavato shined bright with a pair of performances, her own “Confident” and a duet with Alannis Morrissette, who celebrated her Jagged Little Pill album’s 20th anniversary with a rendition of “You Oughta Know.”
Prince, Puff Daddy and Gigi Hadid and Kylie Jenner served as presenters throughout the evening until Ciara introduced Justin Bieber as the closer.
Bieber commanded the audience with a multi-song set that featured his AMA-winning “Where Are Ü No” and “Sorry,” which featured the Toronto superstar being drenched in a downpour from the top of the stage. The cheers from the crowd (and Selena) were well earned.
Check out the full winner’s list below.
Favorite Soul/R&B Album: The Weeknd, Beauty Behind the Madness.
Favorite Pop/Rock Duo or Group: One Direction.
Favorite Country Artist, Male: Luke Bryan.
Top Soundtrack: “Pitch Perfect 2.”
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album: Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint.
New Artist of the Year: Sam Hunt.
Favorite Pop/Rock, Female: Ariana Grande.
Favorite Country Artist, Female: Carrie Underwood.
Collaboration of the Year: Jack Ü (Diplo & Skrillex) feat. Justin Bieber, “Where Are Ü Now.”
Favorite Alternative Artist, Group: Fallout Boy.
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist: Nick Minaj.
Favorite Soul/R&B Artist, Male: The Weeknd.
Artist of the Year: One Direction.
Song of the Year: Taylor Swift, “Blank Space.”
Favorite Pop/Rock Artist, Male: Ed Sheeran.
Favorite Pop/Rock Album: Taylor Swift, 1989.
Favorite Album, Country: Florida Georgia Line, Anything Goes.
Favorite Soul/R&B Artist, Female: Rihanna.
Favorite Artist, Adult Contemporary: Taylor Swift.
Favorite Artist, Latin: Enrique Iglesias.
Favorite Artist, Contemporary Inspirational: Casting Crowns.
Favorite Artist, EDM: Calvin Harris.