Clarkson, Pink honor victims of hurricanes, violence at awards
Kelly Clarkson and Pink kicked off the 2017 American Music Awards paying tribute to those affected this year by hurricanes, gun violence, hate crimes and other tragic events.
Before the pop stars sang R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” on Sunday, Jamie Foxx said this year “we needed the power of music to help us escape the news of the day … to help us heal.”
First responders stood behind the actor at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, earning loud applause from the audience.
“Together we can unite as a people and as a nation,” Foxx said.
Imagine Dragons echoed the positive vibes when the band won the first award of the night for favorite pop/rock duo or group.
Lead singer Dan Reynolds gave a shout-out to “powerful women” when the band accepted the award onstage and spoke of a need to continue to empower LGBTQ youth.
Selena Gomez, who had a kidney transplant this year due to her struggle with lupus, performed her latest single, “Wolves.” She sang while lying on the floor in a short nightgown. Red marks, coming off like bruises and blood, appeared on her knees, hands and forehead.
Christina Aguilera sang a medley of Whitney Houston’s songs to honor the 25th anniversary of Houston’s film, “The Bodyguard.” Aguilera sang “Run to You,” ”I’m Every Woman,” ”I Have Nothing” and “I Will Always Love You.”
“Thank you Whitney Houston for being the best inspiration ever,” said Aguilera, who was introduced to the stage by Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis.
Kelly Rowland sang along and danced while Demi Lovato performed “Sorry Not Sorry.” Keith Urban sang when Shawn Mendes strummed his guitar to “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back.”
Urban was one of the night’s big winners so far: He won favorite male country artist, favorite country song and favorite country album.
“Absolutely you should be sharing these, my love,” the country singer said as “This Is Us” actor Justin Hartley passed two of the trophies to Urban’s wife, actress Nicole Kidman, who sat in the audience.
DJ Khaled won favorite rap/ hip-hop song for “I’m the One,” his No. 1 hit featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne. The Chainsmokers were named favorite electronic dance artist.
Golden Globe-winning “blackish” actress Tracee Ellis Ross was hosting the AMAs, airing live on ABC. Ross’ mother, iconic entertainer Diana Ross, was honored later in the show with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other big stars were set to perform at the awards, including Lady Gaga, Niall Horan, BTS, Khalid, Alessia Cara, Zedd and Portgual. The Man. But while the performers are evenly split between men and women, the nominees? Not so much.
In categories such as artist of the year and favorite pop/rock album, where men and women compete with each other, no female acts were in contention. Other genderless categories in which male acts far outnumber female nominees included video of the year, tour of the year, favorite country album and favorite soul/R&B song.
Halsey was the only female act nominated for favorite pop/rock song and collaboration of the year, both for the Chainsmokers’ No. 1 hit, “Closer.”
Singer-songwriter Julia Michaels is the only woman up for new artist of the year.