By: Rory Zeman

National/World Editor

On Nov. 20 the American Music Awards (AMAs) took place for the 50th time. Comedian, actor, and singer Wayne Brady hosted the event, which, through fan voting, nominated and awarded this year’s best performances and songs. 

Most notably, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift dominated this year’s show, taking home six awards. Swift, along with artists Drake, Adele, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Harry Styles, and The Weeknd were all nominees for Artist of the Year, with Swift winning the crown. In addition, Swift won Favorite Female Pop Artist, Favorite Female Country Artist, and Favorite Music Video. Furthermore, Swift’s album “Red (Taylor’s Version)” won both Favorite Country Album and Favorite Pop Album. 

In the rap world, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Future won for their most recent work. Lamar captured the title of Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist, also grabbing the title of Favorite Hip-Hop Album with his Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Additionally, Nicki Minaj secured this year’s Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist. Future, with the features of both Drake and Tems, won Favorite Hip-Hop Song with WAIT FOR U. 

Alongside Swift, both Harry Styles and BTS had major wins in the Pop category. Styles acquired the title of Favorite Male Pop Artist in addition to winning Favorite Pop Song with his As It Was. In K-Pop, BTS took home the first-ever title of Favorite K-Pop Artist. The band also won the Favorite Pop Duo or Group award.

In the realm of rock, Machine Gun Kelly received the award for Favorite Rock Artist. Winning the honor of Favorite Rock Song, Måneskin secured a huge win with their hit song Beggin. Additionally, Ghost won this year’s Favorite Rock Album, a new award, with their Impera.

Cruising through the country category, fans dubbed Morgan Wallen their Favorite Male Country Artist, alongside Swift’s win of Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album. Wallen also secured the Favorite Country Song with his Wasted on You. Dan + Shay took the victory on the Favorite Country Duo or Group.

Some other victories include Dove Cameron’s win for New Artist of the Year. With their Cold Heart – PNAU Remix, Elton John and Dua Lipa won Collaboration of the Year. Favorite Touring Artist went to Coldplay, and Beyoncé won Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Album with her Renaissance. As the most nominated artist this year, Bad Bunny won Favorite Male Latin Artist and Favorite Latin Album with his Un Verano Sin Ti. With another great look at this year’s most talented artists in the 2022 AMAs, fans are looking forward to the potential of next year’s winners.

(Sources: AMAs, CNN)