by The Cowl Editor on November 7, 2019
Arts & Entertainment
by: Anne DeLello ’20 and Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
Thanksgiving is not the only thing to look forward to in November, as the American Music Awards are also quickly approaching. On Nov. 24, both performers and nominees will attend the awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.
This year’s AMAs will use the performances to honor the music of the last decade.
Not only will there be nominees present, but there are some exciting performances to anticipate as well. Selena Gomez is slated to perform at the AMAs, and it will be her first televised performance since 2017. At those awards, she sang her hit song “Wolves.” Gomez recently released new music that has climbed the charts. “Lose You to Love Me” is the first solo single that Gomez has released that has broken the Billboard Hot 100 since her single “Back to You” was put on the charts in 2018. Fans across the country can hope to see her sing her newest single live on her return to television at the awards.
Another performer at the awards will be Taylor Swift. Not only will she be performing songs from her album Lover that was released in September, but she is said to be performing a variety of her songs to celebrate the fact that she will be accepting the Artist of the Decade award at the AMAs. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Swift will deliver a performance to celebrate the biggest hits of her 13-year career.”
After receiving the Artist of the Decade award, Swift will be among impressive company with previous winners: Garth Brooks ‘90, Michael Jackson ’80, Stevie Wonder ‘70, The Beatles ‘60 and Elvis Presley ‘50. In a statement, Dick Clark Productions Executive Mark Bracco said, “Taylor’s impact on music this decade is undeniable. We’re thrilled to honor her as our Artist of the Decade.”
Swift got her start in 2003 when she moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her country music career. She became the youngest artist ever to sign with now Sony Music Group at the age of 14. In 2006, Swift released her debut self-titled album which peaked at number five on the Billboard Top 200.
As seen through her discography, Swift refuses to put out an album that is the same as her last one. Starting as a country acoustic guitar singer with roots at the Bluebird Café in Nashville, Swift has transitioned to being an up-tempo pop diva who sells out stadium tours in less than an hour. The Reputation Stadium Tour grossed $345.7 million which was a 38 percent jump from her 2015 1989 World Tour, which pulled in $250.7 million.
In terms of the American Music Awards, Swift has taken home 23 AMAs in total since winning her first in 2008 for Favorite Country Female Artist. Last year she won four awards, including Tour of the Year and Artist of the Year. History could be made at this year’s awards night as Swift has the potential to surpass Michael Jackson’s record for most AMA wins of all time, currently standing at 24 awards.
Swift is nominated for five awards, along with Lil Nas X, who is relatively new to the music scene after his hit song “Old Town Road” exploded onto the music scene in the spring of 2019.
However, these two are not even the most highly nominated artists of the night. Post Malone is nominated for seven awards, with Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande following behind him with six each. Some other notable nominees are Billy Ray Cyrus, Khalid, and Ella Mae.
There is a lot of talent present in the nominations. One category in particular that is sure to be competitive is Artist of the Year, which includes Drake, Ariana Grande, Halsey, Post Malone, and Taylor Swift.
The show will certainly be entertaining to watch, and fans of Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift can get excited for their performances. There are multiple artists lined up to win more than one award, and it is sure to be interesting to see who comes out on top.