Chris Brown, R&B star, won big at the American Music Awards 36th annual ceremony on Sunday. He won Artist of the Year along with two other awards.
When named as Artist of the Year Brown appeared to be stunned. While walking up to the stage he said “what?” repeatedly. He told the audience he would have given the award to Coldplay. Brown also won for Best Male Soul/R&B Artist and Best Male Pop/Rock Artist.
Rihanna, Brown’s girlfriend, was named Best Soul/R&B Female Artist and Best Pop/Rock Female Artist. Neither Rihanna or Brown made reference to each other during their acceptance speeches.
Other winners of multiple awards included Kayne West and Alicia Keys. West won an American Music Award for the first time. His set “Graduation” won for Best Rap/Hip Hop Album.
West pontificating about his talents said, I want to thank everyone who accepted me and my attempting to break into new boundaries with my music. When I wake up I think about what stereotypes I would like to break. With “Stronger,” my last album, we pushed that envelope. They didn’t think that record would be played on urban radio.
West said it was the responsibility of musicians to continue competing and pushing each other.
West said it was a great competition and that he wanted to become the next Elvis.
Jimmy Kimmel, the host, jokingly said Elvis died with half a donut while on the toilet. You might want to think that one over. Earlier in the show Kimmel quipped that speaking of God, we have Kayne West with us. Later on Kayne will be on the stage. He will either throw a tantrum or sing, depending on the way things go.
In addition Kimmel made pointed comments at Paris Hilton as well as Scott Weiland, frontman of the Stone Temple Pilots, who gave a slurry introduction of Pink.
West, who is known for throwing a tantrum at times he doesn’t win, later explained it wasn’t the right timing for “Graduation” winning Best Rap/Hip Hop Album.
West said, I really do appreciate the two awards. I have to say though I’m a music fan and I have an opinion. For this year I want this award to go to Lil Wayne. Last year the award would have been mine. This year it belongs to Wayne. Next year we will see what happens.
Kimmel also had a comment on that. He said, one year Kayne complains about not getting an award. This year he gives his awards away. That’s ridiculous. He needs to make his mind up.
Taylor Swift was delighted to win as Best Female Country Artist.
Swift said, it’s an honor you even caring about songs that I write inside my room. This week Swift had the top rated album.
Daughtry was named as Best Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group. In his acceptance speech Chris Daughtry made no mentions of “American Idol.”
Daughtry said, we are so grateful for our fans allowing us to every day live out our dreams. I would not be anything without these guys.
Mariah Carey and Annie Lennox received their accolades from Terrence Howard and Justin Timberlake. Lennox, who was visibly moved, told the audience that the journey had been incredible.
Lennox said that music had accompanied her for most of her life and been her friend. Most of that had been with the Eurythmics’ Dave Steward. It’s important that Dave get half this award, Lennox added.
The bar was set high for all of the performers by Christina Aguilera. She kicked the show off with a medley that included “Fighter,” “Ain’t No Other Man,” “Dirty,” “Genie in a Bottle” “Keeps Gettin’ Better” and “Beautiful.” New Kinds on the Block also performed a medley of both new and old material. Ne-Yo performed “Closer,” while Leona Lewis did a rendition of “Better in Time,” her break-up tune. At the AMAs, Miley Cyrus turned sixteen. The Jonas Brothers gave a flat performance. The Pussycat Dolls performed “When I Grow Up” while pole dancing.
