One Direction might have debuted at number two on the Billboard charts, behind Justin Bieber, but they won the top award at Sunday’s American Music Awards (AMAs).
“This is a testament to how incredible our fans are,” Louis Tomlinson said onstage at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.
“We just want to thank everyone that’s helped us in the last five years,” Liam Payne added.
The band won the top award at last year’s show — as a quintet with Zayn Malik. They also won favourite duo or group — pop/rock on Sunday night.
Bieber, who won best collaboration with Diplo and Skrillex, closed the night with a medley of his hits including Sorry, Where Are U Now and What Do You Mean. Purple laser lights beamed from the stage as the singer danced and sang for the loud audience. He ended it drenched after standing under a waterfall.
Billboard announced on Sunday that his new album, Purpose, will debut at number one on its charts Monday after selling 649,000 equivalent albums. It beat out One Direction’s Made In the A.M., which sold 459,000 equivalent albums.
Bieber’s performance wasn’t the only well-received one: Celine Dion paid tribute to the victims of the recent Paris attacks by singing Edith Piaf’s Hymne L’Amour in French as some audience members cried.
Jared Leto, who introduced Dion, said his band 30 Seconds to Mars recently performed at the Bataclan, the Paris concert hall where 89 people were killed in the November 13 attack.
Dion earned a rousing applause after her performance, which started with the Eiffel Tower projected behind her.
The Weeknd’s performance was also a favourite, and he walked away with two awards, and presented the first one from Prince.
“Make some noise for Prince, ladies and gentlemen,” the singer said after picking up favourite album — soul/R&B for Beauty Behind the Madness.
Nicki Minaj was also a double winner, taking home favourite artist and album — rap/hip-hop. She encouraged her feverish fans to “find their voice.”
“I want to just thank you, the fans, for allowing me to change and have a different voice every time I come back out [with a new album],” Minaj said. “And please find your voice and find your purpose before it’s too late. Love you.”
Other girls at the awards show encouraged their peers: Zendaya and Hailee Steinfeld danced as Selena Gomez performed onstage; Fifth Harmony and Rebel Wilson sang as Demi Lovato was in strong form with Confident; and Gomez sang as Grande performed Focus in a shimmery number.
Meghan Trainor and Charlie Puth’s performance got additional attention after the singers made out onstage after singing their song, Marvin Gaye, which features the lyrics: “Let’s Marvin Gaye and get it on.”
“I’m still laughing at Charlie and Meghan smooching,” Bryan said onstage after winning favourite male artist — country.
Bryan beat out Jason Aldean and Sam Hunt, who won new artist of the year.
Host Jennifer Lopez kicked off the AMAs in a dance routine that highlighted some of the year’s biggest hits like Where Are U Now, Anaconda, Uptown Funk! and Hotline Bling. She also impressively sang in almost a cappella form.
Taylor Swift, who is out of the country shooting a music video, was the top nominee with six. She won song of the year for Blank Space, favourite album — pop/rock for 1989 and favourite artist — adult contemporary
Swift lost favourite female artist — pop/rock to Grande, who was shocked when accepting the honour.
“I think I owe a lot of this to my nonna who made sure to remind me that she voted. She goes, ‘Ariana, I went on the computer, I voted, so I think you’ll win,’” Grande said in an Italian accent.
The three-hour show, which aired on ABC, also included a clip from the upcoming Star Wars film. Performers included Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, Alanis Morissette, 5 Seconds of Summer and Carrie Underwood, who won favourite female artist — country.
