TheAmerican Music Awardsbrought together all different genres for one of music’s biggest nights!
Not only didTaylor Swiftkick off the show with anexplosive opener, she officially became thewinningest female artist in AMAs history. Between reactions to the big moments for the winners to the friendly meetups between A-listers during commercial breaks, PEOPLE caught all the behind-the-scenes action.
Kevin Mazur/Getty
On the Red Carpet
Khalid walked the red carpet with a selfie stick and perfectly paused whenever a fan on the carpet wanted to stop and take a photo op.
BachelorettealumsBen Higginsand Dean Unglert coordinated with bow ties, which Higgins said he bought from Walmart.
Check out PEOPLE’sfull AMAs coverageto get the latest news on one of music’s biggest nights.
Inside the Show
Post Malone, who sported anew haircut, was spotted with a glass of red wine in his hand at the top of the show and grabbed a cocktail before hisperformance.
Real Housewives of New York Cityalum Carole Radziwill posed with fans in the audience.
AfterMariah Carey‘sperformanceof “With You,” her backup dancers made a human wall so fans couldn’t see the singer as she was taken off the platform on stage.
Presenter andAmerican Horror Storystar Billy Eichner received a standing ovation when he talked about the importance of believing in women in a reference to Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation.
Cardi Bwas arguably the most popular star inside Microsoft Theater as many in attendance mobbed her for photos during the commercials.
Kevin Mazur/AMA2018/Getty
Jesse Grant/Getty
Late rapper Xxxtentacion’s motherCleopatra Bernardtearfully accepted his win for favorite soul/R&B album. There was lots of support from the audience as they cheered her on and expressed admiration for the star, who wasfatally shotat a motorcycle dealership outside of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in June. He was 20.
Meanwhile,Camila Cabellocould barely keep a hold on her winnings backstage.
Steve Granitz/WireImage
However, the biggest applause of the night went to Swift, specifically after she wonartist of the year. The audience reaction was especially noteworthy when the pop star reminded her Swifties to go out and vote in the midterm elections.
This year’s AMAs ended with an all-star tribute to the lateAretha Franklin, whodiedat age 76 on Aug. 19 ofadvance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type. Fans in attendance were spotted dancing in the aisles and in their seats.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty
Paul Best/Getty
The 2018 American Music Awards aired live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
source: people.com
