Taylor Swift
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November 20, 2011 - Los Angeles. American Music Awards theme resonated as "think pink" this year. From Nicki Minaj's bright pink hair and album PINK FRIDAY to Katy Perry's pink attire, including guitar, to the women in music who garnered awards throughout the evening. Genuinely surprised and humbled was the graceful and talented Taylor Swift who coveted "Artist of the Year" along with award for her album SPEAK NOW. Taylor Swift was making the network rounds this Sunday. Her CBS 60 MINUTES interview with Lesley Stahl aired immediately before the ABC AMAs began.
The evening consisted of interwoven performances and awards in a "People-esque" display of who's who in the land of popular music and Billboards Top 40. Maroon 5 took the first award of the evening "Favorite Pop-Rock Band Duo or Group" Performances prevailed throughout the evening by nominees, Justin Bieber "Mistletoe", The Band Perry "If I Die Young," Chris Brown played hit from FAME. Nicki Minaj won a trophy as "Best Rap Hip Hop Artist" and gave thanks to Taylor Swift. Kelly Clarkson gave a powerful performance of "Mr. Know It All."
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The award for "Favorite Soul R&B Album" went to Rihanna who did not attend in person but gave thanks from remote location. Enrique Iglesias performed. Marc Anthony with Pitbull mesmerized the audience with "I Like How it Feels" blending into "Tonight." Jennifer Lopez brought on the dancers. Nickelback presented for "Favorite Country band" which went to The Lady-A. Adam Lambert introduced One Republic who performed "Good Life." It appeared that there were no auto tuners on this evening and the vocals had to stand on their own. A few of the performances swayed off key (check out the videos on abc.go.com and decide for yourself.)
Taylor Swift announced Nicki Minaj as winner "Favorite Rap Hip Hop Album" PINK FRIDAY. beating out Kanye West and JAY-Z. Hunky Benjamin Bratt introduced Pitbull who performed "Tonight" with Marc Anthony. Heidi Klum super model introduced Katy Perry who played acoustic guitar her latest hit "The One That Got Away." Katy received a special award of achievement as the first woman to receive five number one singles for one album! Katy gave an eloquent speech and proclaimed "Thank you so much for letting me be a chameleon this year!"
Pitbull and Marc Anthony
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Joe Jonas presented "Best New Artist of the Year" award to Hot Chelle Rae. Jennifer Lopez won "Best Latin Music Artist." Beyonce won for "Best R&B Female Artist". Gym Class Heroes performed with Adam Levine "Stereo Hearts". John Legend introduced Drake who performed from his new album TAKE CARE.
Modern Family cast members gave "Best Pop Rock Male Performer" to Bruno Mars. Gavin DeGraw introduced Daughtry who performed. "Best Country Album" went to Taylor Swift for SPEAK NOW. "Best Pop Rock Album" was awarded to Adele for 21 who is recovering from vocal chord surgery. The evening ended with a lively LMFAO performance with laser and pyro special effects. Go to abc.go.com for photos, reviews and more on the American Music Awards.