The 49th Annual American Music Awards was one of the biggest nights in music – and with Cardi B as the host and performances from Olivia Rodrigo, BTS, Silk Sonic, more, how could it not be? Check out what went down.
1 of 24The 2021 American Music Awards Highlights
2021 was one heck of a year for music, and the 49th American Music Awards closed the calendar out on a high note. Taking place on Nov. 21, 2021, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, the show honored the icons of the past while raising a glass to the music stars of the future. It also got a little bit crazy, thanks to the host, the one and only Cardi B. The “WAP” rapper – who was up for three AMAs herself – was picked to steer the ceremony, the second female rapper to do so (the first being Queen Latifah, who hosted in 1995).This meant there were going to be a lot of viral moments and hilarious commentary throughout the night.
The AMAs also boasted a packed lineup of performers. Silk Sonic kicked off the show, and things just got better after that. BTS, Diplo, Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, The Creator, Zoe Wees, Walker Hayers, and Jennifer Lopez were just a few of the stars hitting the stage. There was even a celebration of boy band history when New Edition teamed with New Kids On The Block. If you think you saw all that went down, check through this gallery to see some of the show moments you might have missed – or, relive some of your favorites from the 2021 AMAs.
Cardi B In One Of Her Many AMAs Outfits
Cardi B arrives at the American Music Awards. This was the first of her many glamorous and extravagant outfits she wore as host of the 2021 show.
‘West Side Story’ Meets AMAs
Rachel Zegler, left, and Ansel Elgort present the award for Favorite Rock Artist at the American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The two star in the 2021 remake of West Side Story.
Bill Porter Brings His Own Shade
It never rain in Cali’, but he came with an umbrella Billy Porter presents the award for Favorite Latin Album at the American Music Awards. His headpiece is certainly a statement. Werk!
Machine Gun Kelly At The AMAs
Machine Gun Kelly — just wearing this little number — walks on stage to accept the award for Favorite Rock Artist at the American Music Awards. He proclaimed that the rock star is alive and well.
Bad Bunny Is Good, Yo
Bad Bunny accepts the award for Favorite Latin Album for El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo at the American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater. He gave love to all his fans, and the man has plenty of love.
BTS Lights Up The ‘Universe’ At The AMAs
If a picture could be loud, this would be it. Amid all the screams from fans at the Microsoft Theatre, Coldplay and BTS performed “My Universe” at the 2021 American Music Awards. BTS would later win FAVORITE POP DUO OR GROUP.
Brandy Stuns At The AMAs
Brandy made her presence felt at the 2021 AMAs. While taking a moment to remember those who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to express gratitude for the return of live music, she presented the award for Favorite Pop Album. Taylor Swift won, for evermore.
JoJo Siwa Is The Envy of ARMYs Everywhere
JoJo Siwa takes a selfie with BTS on stage as they accept the award for favorite pop duo or group at the American Music Awards on at Microsoft Theater. This comes after Cardi B asked JoJo to visit her daughter, Kulture, at Christmas.
Olivia Rodrigo Unleashes Her Feelings At The AMAs
Olivia Rodrigo performs “Traitor” at the American Music Awards on at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. It was a lovely change of pace from the “good 4 u” singer.
Taylor Swift Via Sattelite
Taylor Swift appears onscreen to accept the award for Favorite Pop Album for evermore at the American Music Awards on at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. This extended her record for being the winningest artist at the AMAs.
Tyler, The Creator Creates An Incredible AMAs Moment
Who says it never snows in California? In his debut AMAs performance, Tyler, the Creator cranked up the heat while standing around in the snow while performing “MASSA” at the American Music Awards.
Carrie Underwood Sings At The AMAs
Carrie Underwood performed alongside Jason Aldean at the 2021 American Music Awards. It was a moment of country amid the pop, rock, hip-hop, and boyband goodness.
Jaosn Aldean At The 2021 AMA?s
Jason Aldean twinkled the ivories while performing “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood at the 2021 American Music Awards. The two brought a taste of the country to the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.
Bad Bunny Isn’t Sorry For Being Sorry
Bad Bunny performs “Lo Siento BB :/” at the American Music Awards. It was the television debut of the song, and Bad Bunny went all out with the performance — and the outfit.
Marsai Martin Struts Her Stuff at the AMAs
Marsai Martin walks on stage to present the award for the Favorite Hip-Hop Song at the American Music Awards. That outfit deserved an award!
Maneskin Rocks The AMAs
Thomas Raggi, from left, Damiano David, Victoria De Angelis and Ethan Torchio perform “Beggin'” at the American Music Awards. Maneskin won Eurovision, but they won over America with this performance.
The Iconic Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez performed ‘On My Way’ at the 2021 American Music Awards. Her performance was announced the day of the show, and she killed it. The song comes from her upcoming movie, Marry Me.
Chloe Bailey At the AMAs
Chloe (fka Chloe Bailey of Chloe x Halle) performs “Have Mercy” at the American Music Awards. She continues to pave the way as a solo artist. She even dropped her last name.
Giveon Gives You A Bit Of ‘Heartache’
After having one of his best years ever, Giveon basked in the spotlight at the AMAs. During the American Music Awards, he performed “Heartbreak Anniversary.”
Mickey Guyton Brought The Power At The AMAs
Mickey Guyton performs “All American” at the American Music Awards. It was arguably the most soulful moment of the night.
The Battle Of Boston: NKOTB
Jonathan Knight, from left, Joey McIntyre, Jordan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood of New Kids on the Block perform a medley at the American Music Awards. It was billed as the “Battle of Boston,” as they performed opposite their inspiration/heroes, New Edition.
Cardi B Rules Over The AMAs
Cardi B is the queen of the AMAs. She is escorted out in one of her other looks that slayed the 2021 American Music Awards.
Cardi B Brightens Up The AMAs Stage
Cardi B was very colorful — in both the way she dressed and the way she addressed the 2021 American Music Awards crowds. Can we get Cardi to host every year?
