American Music Awards 2020 WINNERS: Music’s biggest night kicks off in front of limited audience

The Weeknd kicked off the 2020 American Music Awards in fine form as he earned the first win of the night in the Soul/R&B Album category.

The  30-year-old Canadian crooner – real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye – was given the honor for his critically acclaimed album, After Hours, at the award show which took place at Los Angeles‘ Microsoft Theater on Sunday night.

The music gala – which is considered to be one of the biggest in the industry – took place in front of a limited  audience ‘in small groups, from the same families’ with several safety cautions taken including testing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ouch: The Weeknd kicked off the 2020 American Music Awards in fine form as he earned the first win of the night in the Soul/R&B Album category

As the Weeknd – who was presented the award by Ciara – had previously received the award from Prince, he dedicated the win to the late legendary musician.

He said: ‘Thank you. Wow. Last time I received this award, it was given to me by the late, great prince. And, you know, he’s the reason I get to constantly challenge the genre of r&b. And, yeah, I’d like to dedicate this award to him. Thank you.’ 

Viewers may be confused by the singer’s appearance as his head was completely wrapped in bandage, however, it has all been part of the character he has played throughout the visuals which have accompanied his recent music including music videos and award show performances.

In fact just 20 minutes later, he hit the streets of downtown Los Angeles to perform a medley of his After Hour hits including In Your Eyes and Save Your Tears.

Despite rising COVID-19 numbers rising across the country, there was a limited audience in attendance as organizers for the award show have taken several precautions to make it as safe an event as possible 

Host Taraji P. Henson acknowledged the audience at the beginning of the show as she said: ‘Wait, do you hear that? That glorious — yes. That’s the glorious sound of alive in the house applause. Yes, we have some special guests here tonight. We invited them in small groups, from the same families. 

‘They’re all here, socially distanced, wearing masks, COVID tested. Yes, we’re very responsible. And like everyone else here, just happy to be out of the house. So let me hear it. Oh, humans, humans. Y’all look so good up there, yes, kings and queens.’

A Dick Clark Productions spokesperson told Rolling Stone on Saturday: ‘We have rigorous Covid-19 safety guidelines and protocols in place — approved by the unions and with guidance from L.A. County Department of Public Health — that are beyond what is required.’

Anyone who is entering the venue was tested in advanced and will continue to be tested throughout the production until wrap.

Facial coverings were also required for anyone not on stage inside of the venue with the one exception being background dancers who will also be required to wear masks.

The production spokesperson told the music publication: ‘Everyone inside our footprint, with the exception of artists on stage who are singing or speaking, will be wearing facial coverings and maintain social distancing at all times. 

‘When artists are not on stage singing, presenting, or accepting an award, they will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, we disinfect our set every evening and in between performances during pre-production, rehearsals and in the live show.’

Hosted by Taraji P. Henson, the

Though the pandemic has made it a unique year, the Empire star promised everyone an ‘electrifying night of music’ with the awards.

Planned performances from Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, The Weeknd and Billie Eilish are already generating buzz.

The Canadian crooner will be back at the AMAs for the first time in four-years, set to woo the crowd with a medley of songs, including “Holy” and “Lonely” with special guest Benny Blanco,  

Smile singer Perry will mark 10-years since her first appearance on the show.

Meanwhile, Blinding Lights artist The Weeknd’s track Save Your Tears will get its television debut with the help of saxophonist Kenny G.

Billie Eilish will also give her premiere performance of Therefore I Am. 

Other artists include Bebe Rexha & Doja Cat, Dan + Shay, Lewis Capaldi, Machine Gun Kelly, Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, BTS, Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez & Maluma, Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, Nelly, Shawn Mendes and Bell Biv DeVoe.

In addition to his performance, The Weeknd will be competing in eight categories, tied with Roddy Ricch for the most nominations. 

Megan Thee Stallion was able to earn five while Bieber, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Bad Bunny and DaBaby each received four nominations.

Swift already holds the record of most AMAs, with 29, so scoring any more would assure she keeps that top spot.

The 2020 AMAs will air live on ABC on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT 

2020 American Music Awards Nominations

Artist Of The Year 

Justin Bieber 

Post Malone 

Roddy Ricch 

Taylor Swift 

The Weeknd  

The Weeknd has eight nominations, leading the pack

The Weeknd has eight nominations, leading the pack

 

New Artist Of The Year

Lewis Capaldi

Doja Cat

DaBaby

Lil Baby

Roddy Ricch

Megan Thee Stallion

Roddy Rich is tied with The Weeknd for the most nominations, also with eight

Roddy Rich is tied with The Weeknd for the most nominations, also with eight

 

Collaboration Of The Year

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP

DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch – Rockstar

Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber – 10,000 Hours

Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande – Rain On Me

Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé – Savage Remix

Megan Thee Stallion was honored with five nods

Megan Thee Stallion was honored with five nods

 

Favorite Social Artist

BTS

Billie Eilish

EXO

Ariana Grande

NCT 127 

Taylor Swift has four nominations. She also holds the record for most AMAs ever

Taylor Swift has four nominations. She also holds the record for most AMAs ever

 

Favorite Music Video

Doja Cat – Say So

Future ft. Drake – Life Is Good

Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande – Rain On Me

Taylor Swift – cardigan

The Weeknd – Blinding Lights

 

Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock

Justin Bieber

Post Malone

The Weeknd

Lady Gaga earned four nominations

Lady Gaga earned four nominations

 

Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock

Dua Lipa

Lady Gaga

Taylor Swift

 

Favorite Duo Or Group – Pop/Rock

BTS

Jonas Brothers

Maroon 5

BTS received two nods. They'll also be performing their hit Dynamite

BTS received two nods. They’ll also be performing their hit Dynamite

 

Favorite Album – Pop/Rock

Harry Styles – Fine Line

Taylor Swift – folklore

The Weeknd – After Hours

  

Favorite Song – Pop/Rock

Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved

Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now

Post Malone – Circles

Roddy Ricch – The Box

The Weeknd – Blinding Lights

Post Malone is up for three awards

 Post Malone is up for three awards

 

Favorite Male Artist – Country

Kane Brown

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen

 

Favorite Female Artist – Country

Gabby Barrett

Miranda Lambert

Maren Morris

 

Favorite Duo Or Group – Country

Dan + Shay

Florida Georgia Line

Old Dominion

Dan + Shay have three nominations and will also be  performing

 Dan + Shay have three nominations and will also be  performing

 

Favorite Album – Country

Luke Combs – What You See Is What You Get

Blake Shelton – Fully Loaded: God’s Country

Morgan Wallen – If I Know Me

 

Favorite Song – Country

Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber – 10,000 Hours

Maren Morris – The Bones

Blake Shelton (Duet with Gwen Stefani) – Nobody But You

 

Favorite Male Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop

DaBaby

Juice WRLD

Roddy Ricch

DaBaby earned four nominations

DaBaby earned four nominations

 

Favorite Female Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop

Cardi B

Nicki Minaj

Megan Thee Stallion

 

Favorite Album – Rap/Hip-Hop

Lil Baby – My Turn

Lil Uzi Vert – Eternal Atake

Roddy Ricch – Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial

 

Favorite Song – Rap/Hip-Hop

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – WAP

DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch – Rockstar

Roddy Ricch – The Box

The Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion collaboration WAP earned two nominations on its own

The Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion collaboration WAP earned two nominations on its own

 

Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B

Chris Brown

John Legend

The Weeknd

 

Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B

Jhene Aiko

Doja Cat

Summer Walker

 

Favorite Album – Soul/R&B

Doja Cat – Hot Pink

Summer Walker – Over It

The Weeknd – After Hours

Doja Cat received four nominations. She'll be performing with Bebe Rexha at the show

Doja Cat received four nominations. She’ll be performing with Bebe Rexha at the show

 

Favorite Song – Soul/R&B

Chris Brown ft. Drake – No Guidance

Summer Walker – Playing Games

The Weeknd – Heartless

 

Favorite Male Artist – Latin

Bad Bunny

J Balvin

Ozuna

J Balvin has two award nominations

J Balvin has two award nominations

 

Favorite Female Artist – Latin

Becky G

KAROL G

Rosalía

 

Favorite Album – Latin

Anuel AA – Emmanuel

Bad Bunny – Las que no iban a salir

Bad Bunny – YHLQMDLG

 

Favorite Song – Latin

Bad Bunny – Vete

Black Eyed Peas X J Balvin – RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)

KAROL G & Nicki Minaj – Tusa

Billie Eilish is up for two awards. She will also give her premiere performance of Therefore I Am

Billie Eilish is up for two awards. She will also give her premiere performance of Therefore I Am

 

Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock

Billie Eilish

Tame Impala

twenty one pilots

 

Favorite Artist – Adult Contemporary

Lewis Capaldi

Jonas Brothers

Maroon 5

 

Devotional singer Lauren Daigle is up for favorite Contemporary Inspirational artist

Devotional singer Lauren Daigle is up for favorite Contemporary Inspirational artist

Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational

Lauren Daigle

for KING & COUNTRY

Kanye West

 

Favorite Artist – Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

Kygo

Lady Gaga

Marshmello

 

Favorite Soundtrack

Birds of Prey: The Album

Frozen II

Trolls: World Tour