On Sunday, Nov. 21, the American Music Awards came back with a bang. The AMAs aired at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and the following day it streamed on Hulu. This year, rapper Cardi B hosted the AMAs, impressing others with her numerous extravagant outfit changes throughout the show. 

“I have never seen a host change into as many amazing outfits as Cardi B did last night. Her red carpet look was my favorite, but I was so impressed at how her outfits were progressing throughout the night,” Miami Palmetto Senior High sophomore Kaelyn Buck said. 

Categories ranging from favorite female artist to favorite gospel artist were announced last weekend. Olivia Rodrigo, BTS, and Kane Brown took the stage on Sunday, performing at the first in-person AMAs since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Olivia Rodrigo took the lead with a total of seven nominations; The Weeknd followed with a total of six nominations, then Bad Bunny, Doja Cat and Giveon with five. Although Olivia Rodrigo had a total of seven nominations, she only took home the crown for favorite new artist of the year. 

Taylor Swift broke records this weekend, being the most awarded artist in AMA history. After winning favorite female pop artist and favorite pop album for “evermore,” Swift took the lead with 34 AMAs. The pop icon is a worldwide star and fans continue to support her 17- year-long music career to this day.

“Taylor Swift has always been my favorite artist ever since I was a kid, and seeing her still winning awards and breaking records makes me so happy,” Palmetto sophomore Tyler Shapiro said.

More big winners of the night include the well-known Korean pop boy band, BTS. They were nominated for a total of three awards and brought each one home. Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion followed, receiving three awards — making Sunday a win for many artists. 

The 49th annual AMAs sets itself apart, with multiple never-before-seen artists and performers attending the event. Records were broken, amazing performances took place and fans finally had the opportunity to go back and experience the AMAs in its full glory.