American Music Awards 2018: Taylor Swift, late rapper XXXTentacion among winners
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Taylor Swift accepts the award for favorite pop/rock album for “Reputation” during the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Tracee Ellis Ross, center, speaks at the conclusion of the American Music Awards following a tribute to the late singer Aretha Franklin by Donnie McClurkin, left, Ledisi, Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary, Gladys Knight and CeCe Winans.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Gladys Knight performs “Amazing Grace” during a tribute to the late singer Aretha Franklin, pictured on screen, at the American Music Awards.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Gwilym Lee, from left, Rami Malek and Joe Mazzello introduce a performance by Panic! at the Disco at the American Music Awards.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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CeCe Winans performs “Mary Don’t You Weep” during a tribute to the late singer Aretha Franklin at the American Music Awards.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Ledisi performs “How I Got Over” during a tribute to the late singer Aretha Franklin.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Donnie McClurkin performs “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” during a tribute to the late singer Aretha Franklin at the American Music Awards.
( on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP))
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Erica Campbell, left, and Tina Campbell, of Mary Mary, perform “Old Landmark” during a tribute to the late singer Aretha Franklin.
( at the American Music Awards on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP))
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Normani, left, and Liza Koshy introduce a performance by Benny Bianco, Halsey and Khalid at the American Music Awards.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Halsey, left, Benny Bianco and Khalid perform “Eastside” at the American Music Awards.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Jennifer Lopez performs at the American Music Awards on Tuesday at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Vanessa Hudgens speaks onstage during the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Tyra Banks presents the new artist of the year award at the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Camila Cabello accepts the new artist of the year award during the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Ciara and her dancers perform at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Ciara performs at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Missy Elliott takes the stage at the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Khalid accepts the favorite male artist -- soul/R&B award from John Stamos and Busy Philipps at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Camila Cabello performs during the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Lenny Kravitz speaks at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Carrie Underwood performs at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Camila Cabello accepts the award for Favorite Song - Pop/Rock for “Havana” from Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson onstage during the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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“The Hate U Give” star Amandla Stenberg speaks at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Amandla Stenberg presents the award for favorite pop/rock album to Taylor Swift for “Reputation” at the American Music Awards.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Kelsea Ballerini and the Chainsmokers’ Andrew Taggart, left, and Alex Pall introduce a performance by Post Malone and Ty Dolla Sign at the American Music Awards.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Post Malone, left, and Ty Dolla Sign perform at the American Music Awards.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Cardi B performs onstage during the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Kane Brown accepts the favorite male artist - country award onstage at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Shawn Mendes accepts the award for favorite adult contemporary artist at the American Music Awards.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press)
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Rita Ora, left, and Constance Wu laugh it up while presenting the award for favorite pop/rock duo or group at the American Music Awards.
(Matt Sayles / Invision / Associatd Press)
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Host Tracee Ellis Ross takes the stage at the American Music Awards on Tuesday at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Matt Sayles / Invision/Associated Press)
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Host Tracee Ellis Ross performs during the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Host Tracee Ellis Ross kicks off the 2018 American Music Awards with a show.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Taylor Swift performs during the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Taylor Swift takes a stand at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Zedd, left, and Shawn Mendes perform during the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Khalid, left, and Halsey perform during the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Carrie Underwood wins the favorite female artist -- country award at the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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British singer Ella Mai performs at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Taylor Swift takes the tour of the year award for her Reputation Stadium Tour at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Taylor Swift accepts the tour of the year award during the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Mariah Carey performs at the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Host Tracee Ellis Ross celebrates during the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Cardi B accepts the favorite artist -- rap/hip-hop award at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Sara Gilbert and Thomas Rhett speak onstage during the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP)
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Post Malone accepts the favorite male artist -- pop/rock award at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)
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Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots performs at the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
Taylor Swift made history Tuesday night at the 2018 American Music Awards, becoming the most-winning female artist in the show’s history and the most wins for artist of the year. The “Delicate” singer won artist of the year, tour of the year and pop/rock album of the year on a night that also saw her open the show with a performance of her latest single, “I Did Something Bad.”
Her victories came days after Swift caused a frenzy when she posted a strongly political Instagram post, encouraging her fans to vote and endorsing Tennessee Democratic candidates Phil Bredesen and Jim Cooper while bashing Republican candidate Marsha Blackburn. During her speech, Swift (albeit briefly) returned to politics when she reminded viewers to vote in the upcoming midterm elections before wrapping her speech. The ceremony, televised on ABC from the Microsoft Theater in L.A., ended with a tribute to Aretha Franklin.
Other big winners of the evening included Camila Cabello and the late rapper XXXTentacion.
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Check out a full list of winners below.
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Multiple nominee Cardi B attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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John Stamos attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Taylor Swift arrives at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Frazer Harrison/Getty Images | Jordan Strauss / Invision/Associated Press | Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
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Carrie Underwood arrives at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Camila Cabello attends the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Alex Pall, left, and Andrew Taggart of the Chainsmokers, arrive at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Future Zahir Wilburn and Ciara attend the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Emma McIntyre / Getty Images for DCP)
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Singer Shawn Mendes attends the 2018 American Music Awards in downtown L.A.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Trinidadian singer Charisse Mills arrives for the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Nina Prommer / EPA-EFE / REX )
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Vanessa Hudgens arrives at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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British singer Ella Mai arrives for the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Nina Prommer / EPA-EFE / REX)
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Singer Lauren Jauregui arrives for the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater.
(Nina Prommer / EPA-EFE / REX)
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Busy Philipps arrives at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Rita Ora arrives at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Carrie Underwood arrives at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Gladys Knight arrives at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Amandla Stenberg attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Bad Bunny, left, and J Balvin.
(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images for DCP)
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Singer Poppy arrives at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Valerie Macon / AFP/Getty Images)
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Actor Evan Ross and singer Ashlee Simpson arrive for the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Nina Prommer / EPA-EFE / REX)
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Sisters Halle left, and Chloe Bailey of Chloe x Halle arrive at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Post Malone brings his own refreshment to the red carpet of the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Ledisi arrives at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Macaulay Culkin arrives at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Cobie Smulders attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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“Saturday Night Live’s” Taran Killam attends the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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NCT 127 attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Ty Dolla Sign attends the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Marsai Martin attends the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Bebe Rexha strikes a pose on the red carpet at the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Tyra Banks hits a model’s pose on the red carpet for the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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“Crazy Rich Asians” and “Fresh Off the Boat” actress Constance Wu arrives at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Halsey attends the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Zedd arrives at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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“Aquaman” actress Amber Heard attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Amara La Negra attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater.
(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images for DCP)
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Kelsea Ballerini attends the 2018 American Music Awards.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Tina Guo arrives at the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images for DCP)
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Tracee Ellis Ross at the AMAs.
(Emma McIntyre / Getty Images for DCP)
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Singer Khalid attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Sibley Scoles arrives at the American Music Awards.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision/Associated Press)
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Keltie Knight attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Favorite Male Artist Pop/Rock: Post Malone
Favorite Female Artist Pop/Rock: Taylor Swift
Favorite Duo or Group Pop/Rock: Migos
Favorite Album Pop/Rock: Taylor Swift “reputation”
Favorite Song Pop/Rock: Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug “Havana”
Favorite Male Artist Country: Kane Brown
Favorite Female Artist Country: Carrie Underwood
Favorite Duo or Group Country: Florida Georgia Line
Favorite Album Country: Kane Brown “Kane Brown”
Favorite Song Country: Kane Brown “Heaven”
Favorite Artist Rap/Hip-Hop: Cardi B
Favorite Album Rap//Hip-Hop: Post Malone “Beerbongs & Bentlys”
Favorite Song Rap/Hip-Hop: Cardi B “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)”
Favorite Male Artist Soul/R&B: Khalid
Favorite Female Artist Soul/R&B: Rihanna
Favorite Album Soul/R&B: XXXTENTACION “17”
Favorite Song Soul/R&B: Bruno Mars & Cardi B “Finesse”
Tour of the Year: Taylor Swift
Favorite Music Video: Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug “Havana”
Favorite Artist Alternative Rock: Panic! At The Disco
Favorite Artist Adult Contemporary: Shawn Mendes
Favorite Artist Latin: Daddy Yankee
Favorite Artist Contemporary Inspirational: Lauren Daigle
Favorite Artist Electronic Dance Music: Marshmello
Favorite Soundtrack: “Black Panther: The Album, Music From And Inspired By”
Favorite Social Artist of the Year: BTS
New Artist of the Year: Camila Cabello
Collaboration of the Year: Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug, “Havana”
