Taylor Swift opened the 2018 American Music Awards and won four awards this year: Tour of the Year, Pop/Rock Album, Pop/Rock Favorite Female Artist, and Artist of the Year.
“Havana” singer Camila Cabello also won four AMAs this year, marking the first time she ever won an AMA. About two hours into the ceremony, Cabello performed “Consequences” with an orchestra on stage.
Popular Christian artist Lauren Daigle was awarded favorite artist in the Contemporary Inspirational category.
Carrie Underwood won Country Female Artist, marking her 13th American Music Award. She performed “Spinning Bottles” from a rotating stage covered with candles.
Fans were excited to see her baby bump, after she unveiled that she had three miscarriages in two years before this pregnancy.
Kane Brown won Country Male Artist. He thanked God, his fans and family and said that he felt like passing out.
In addition, Mariah Carey introduced her new single “With You,” and Jennifer Lopez also revealed her new single “Limitless” written by Sia.
The ceremony ended by paying tribute to Aretha Franklin with a video about her career and legacy, and three female singers performed “Amazing Grace,” “Climbing Higher Mountains,” and “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep.” Franklin’s father was a preacher and she kept her gospel roots throughout her career.
The awards were voted on by fans, and the ceremony was held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and aired live on ABC on Oct. 9.
