The 2015 American Music Awards (AMAs) brought quite few star-studded celebrities and fan favorites in music and fashion to the red-carpet this past Sunday. This year, the AMAs was hosted by “Jenny from the Block” aka J-Lo, who brought a hefty introductory performance to the stage herself while paying tribute to some of the nights honorees in a spicy multicolored ensemble. Top artists in attendance included Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Justine Bieber, One Direction and more.
One of the night’s top winners included Nicki Minaj, who gave the crowd some champagne and bronze encrusted elegance as she graced the stage twice to receive awards for Favorite Artist and Favorite Album for The PinkPrint in the Rap/Hip-Hop category. “I want to just thank you, the fans for allowing me to change and have a different voice every time I come back out,” Minaj stated. And to the surprise of many, Nicki thanked Drake for help with her album despite the rap battle feud between her now boyfriend Meek Mill and label mate Drake.
Canadian artist and R&B crooner The Weekend also won two awards in the Soul/R&B category, taking home the awards for Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Album for Beauty Behind the Madness. Known for hits such as “Can’t Feel My Face” and “Earned It,” The Weeknd’s acceptance of one his favorite album award became a little sweeter after receiving the triangular shaped trophy from the famed artist Prince himself who donned a classic outfit with a guitar in tow. The Eritrean artist whose government name is Abel Tesfaye then heated up the stage at 1,000 degrees with a fiery performance of his song “The Hills.”
The AMAs also featured a few drops of melanin fielding the red carpet throughout the night, with brief appearances from Karrueche Tran, Tyga, Christina Milian, Wiz Khalifa and Terry Crews. The Sentinel also caught up with comedian, actress, and The Real talk show host Loni Love, who gave us some realness and shared her thoughts on diversity in music. She shared how the AMAs serve as a great platform for new and seasoned artists of varying genres looking to showcase their talents on a major stage amongst true fans.
Leon Bridges, a rising soulful music sensation who was discovered online last year also spoke with the Sentinel, telling us how excited he was to be able to perform on an internationally recognized American stage for the first time. Bridges performed alongside Macklemore and Ryan Lewis at the AMAs and continues to make a mark in the music game.
As a fan-driven awards show, the AMAs measure an artists’ Billboard ratings, album and digital single sales, radio airplay, touring and social media, serving as a true indication of top artists being honored by their larger than life supporters.
Be sure to check out exclusive AMA interviews with the Sentinel online.