SWIFT URGES PEOPLE TO VOTE AT THE AWARD GALA
The American Music Awards night saw a cheeky comment on US politics made by Taylor Swift, who took home as many as four trophies
Taylor Swift, straight off a controversial dive into US politics, was the big winner at the American Music Awards on Tuesday in Los Angeles. She used the platform to again urge her fans to get out and vote. The pop star won a record fourth Artist of the Year trophy at the fanvoted awards, beating rappers Drake and Post Malone, British singer Ed Sheeran and rock band Imagine Dragons for the top prize. She also picked up the awards for the Best Female Artist, Best Tour and Best Pop Album, for Reputation, 2017’s biggest seller.
On Sunday, the 28-year-old had kicked up a storm by announcing she would vote for two Democrats in Tennessee in the US congressional midterm elections in November. Her comments drove a spike in voter registration. And on Tuesday, the Fearless singer told the awards audience in Los Angeles and millions watching at home to go and vote.
“This award and every single award given out tonight, is voted on by the people. And you know what else is voted on by the people — the midterm elections of November 6. Get out and vote,” Swift said as she accepted her trophy.
In other highlights, rapper Cardi B brought down the house with an exuberant performance of dance hit I Like It with Colombian singer J Balvin and Puerto Rican Bad Bunny. Cardi B, who has had a breakout 12 months, was also named favorite hip-hop/rap artist, but she lost the best new artist category to Cuban-born Camila Cabello.
Other winners included Post Malone in the Male Pop/ Rock Artist category, Khalid in the Male Soul/R&B Artist, and singer Carrie Underwood in the Country Female Artist category. Boy band BTS became the first Korean group to win an American Music Award, taking the trophy for Favourite Social Artists.
Veteran singer Gladys Knight led a tribute to Aretha Franklin, who died of cancer in August at age 76. Other performers included Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and Missy Elliott.
Those absent at the awards ceremony included Drake, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Rihanna and Kanye West. West was snubbed in the nominations while Beyonce, Rihanna and Grande got just one nomination each.