By Melissa Platero, CCNN Writer
This year’s American Music Awards featured the typical blend of outstanding performances… and bizarre ones. Miley Cyrus did her usual desperate attention-seeking behavior with a floating kitten crying diamonds behind her, Justin Timberlake got nagged by comedian Sarah Silverman, old school R&B group TLC reunited to perform “Waterfalls”, and Rihanna’s own mother awarded her daughter the first Icon Award.
Timberlake won big, as the show started off with Taylor Swift presenting him Favorite Pop/Rock Male artist, while she took home the biggest award, Artist of the Year. Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop album winners Macklemore and Ryan Lewis paid tribute to Trayvon Martin, the teen slain earlier this year after getting into a fight with a neighborhood watch guard.
Macklemore expressed, “I want to acknowledge Trayvon Martin and the hundreds and hundreds of kids each year that are dying due to racial profiling and the violence that follows it.” He added, “This is really happening. These are our friends, our neighbors, our peers, and our fans, and it’s time that we look out for the youth and fight against racism and the laws that protect it.”
Jennifer Lopez honored legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz, changing her outfit three times in colorful fashion just like Cruz used to during performances. “I know that a lot of fans who will watch the show will know who she was, but we will also educate a lot of people reminding them of the impact she had in the music scene, not just in Latin American countries, but also in the United States,” said Lopez.
As for the winners list, here’s who won:
Favorite Male Pop Rock Artist: Justin Timberlake
Favorite Female Artist, Soul/R&B: Rihanna
Favorite Album, Country: “Red” by Taylor Swift
Favorite Album, Rap/Hip-Hop: “The Heist” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Favorite Artist, Alternative Rock: Imagine Dragons
Favorite Artist, Latin: Marc Anthony
Favorite Album, Pop or Rock: “Take Me Home” by One Direction
New Artist of the Year: Ariana Grande
Favorite Male Artist, Soul/R&B: Justin Timberlake
Favorite Female Artist, Country: Taylor Swift
Single of the Year: “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line
Favorite Album, Soul/R&B: “The 20/20 Experience” by Justin Timberlake
Favorite Artist, Electronic Dance Music (EDM): Avicii
Favorite Artist, Adult Contemporary: Maroon 5
Favorite Artist, Contemporary Inspirational: Matthew West
Top Soundtrack: Pitch Perfect
Favorite Male Artist, Country: Luke Bryan
Favorite Band, Duo or Group, Pop or Rock: One Direction
Favorite Band, Duo or Group, Country: Lady Antebellum
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Images courtesy of American Music Awards.