Hosted by Wayne Brady, the 50th annual American Music Awards aired live on ABC from Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater Sunday night.
The night, which celebrates the latest and greatest talents in music, was full of show-stopping performances. Brazilian singer Anitta took the stage to perform her record-breaking hit “Envolver” and was later joined by the legendary Missy Elliott for their collaboration track “Lobby.”
GloRilla and Cardi B — in a surprise appearance — got the crowd hype with their smash “Tomorrow 2,” and Lil Baby showed off his skills performing his tracks “In a Minute” and “California Breeze.”
As far as awards, the AMAs introduced the new category, Favorite Afrobeats Artist, which Wizkid won. Chris Brown won Favorite Male R&B Artist after his Michael Jackson tribute was reportedly scrapped. Kelly Rowland accepted the honor on his behalf.
Smokey Robinson presented 17-time AMA winner Lionel Richie with the prestigious Icon Award, which honors an artist whose body of work has made a profound influence over pop music on a global level. In his acceptance speech, Richie reflected on the full circle moment.
“I started here, at the AMAs,” he said. “My career, to this day, 40 years later, I’m back at the AMAs.”
Richie also shared a message for the “young superstars.”
“When you hear the word ‘hit,’ that means today. When you hear the word ‘inspiring,’ that means forever,” he said. “If you get the chance to have that light on you, understand what God has in store.”
Afterwards, Charlie Puth and Stevie Wonder teamed up for a tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter, singing some of his greatest hits before closing out the show.
Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj were among the winners announced before the broadcast.
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