WOMEN ROCK THE SHOW AT AMAS

This year’s American Music Awards was a reflection of the year in pop music, with women dominating the show, but not as nominees or winners.

In categories like artist of the year and favorite pop/ rock album, where men and women compete, no female acts were in contention. Only six female artists or groups that include women won in the more than two dozen fan voted awards handed out Sunday night. However, the legendary Diana Ross was given a lifetime achievement award, which former President Barack Obama rightfully noted was an overdue honor.

But the women instead took over the show with powerful, incredible, emotional and inspiring performances from Ross, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga and more.

Here’s a look at the top moments at the American Music Awards:

I’m coming out

The anticipation for the performance by style icon, singer and actress Diana Ross escalated all evening with plenty of hype from her daughter and the show’s host actress Tracee Ellis Ross. Ross noted that they were making history as the first mother and daughter to both host the awards show and even donned one of her mother’s sequined tops during the show.

The Detroit-born singer who started her career as a member of the Supremes received video messages from the Obamas as well as Taylor Swift. And she did not disappoint when she appeared draped in a purple, fluffy tulle coat and long black gloves. She delivered an upbeat and inspiring medley of her hits, including “I’m Coming Out,” ”Take Me Higher” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

True heroes

In a year marked by tragedies, from devastating hurricanes to mass shootings, the show started with a great homage to those who are the first to help in those situations, from police officers, to firefighters, to paramedics and the military. Actor Jamie Foxx put it succinctly that 2017 tested everyone’s faith, but that unity was more important now than ever.

Two of pop music’s powerful vocalists, Pink and Kelly Clarkson, performed an epic version of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts,” with images from the recent tragedies on screens behind them. At the end of the performance, the two singers embraced in a hug and the crowd rose to its feet.