One Direction enjoys big night
One Direction won three honors at the American Music Awards, including artist of the year over powerhouse acts like Beyonce and Luke Bryan, while breakthrough newcomer Iggy Azalea beat out heavyweights Eminem and Drake in the rap categories.
Katy Perry, who was absent from Sunday’s show because of her world tour, matched One Direction for most wins with three.
The boy band won also won favorite band, duo or group — pop/rock and favorite album — pop/rock for “Midnight Memories” at the fan-voted show.
They wore all black as they sang “Night Changes” at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. Taylor Swift kicked off the AMAs as a mad woman and man eater by feeding a boy a poisonous apple and holding burning roses during a performance of her song about her dating life according to the media. She later received the first Dick Clark Award for Excellence, presented by Diana Ross.
Brantley Gilbert, won favorite album — country for “Just As I Am.”
Azalea, who was the top nominee with six, performed twice: She hit the stage first for “Fancy” and new single “Beg for It,” later returning to close the show with a steamy Jennifer Lopez for their collaboration, “Booty.”
Azalea won favorite album — rap/hip-hop for “The New Classic” and favorite artist — rap/hip-hop.
“It means so much to me that it is for best hip-hop because that’s what inspired me to move to America and pursue my dreams,” the 24-year-old Australian rapper said.
Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer won new artist of the year, beating out Azalea, Smith, Meghan Trainor and Bastille.
Perry won single of the year for “Dark Horse,” favorite female artist — pop/rock and favorite artist — adult contemporary. Other absent winners included Carrie Underwood, John Legend and Beyonce, who won two awards.
The soundtrack for “Frozen,” the year’s top-selling album, won top soundtrack.
