The wait is over for the 2018 American Music Awards, the world’s largest fan-voted show. The show honors contemporary artists in rock, pop, hip-hop and more, and captures millions of viewers every year. Here are five things we are looking forward to during this year’s American Music Awards.
The opening act
One of the most important things about an award show is its opening act, so it seems to be a no brainer having pop veteran Taylor Swift do the job. Swift announced she will be opening with “I Did Something Bad,” an edgy, fierce tune different from much of her music. This marks the “Delicate” singer’s first award show performance in nearly three years, and comes right at the end of the American leg of her record-breaking Reputation Stadium Tour.
The host
Tracee Ellis Ross is returning to host the show for a second consecutive year. The black-ish star pleased audiences with her silly and sassy personality during the 2017 American Music Awards. Plus, she got to enjoy the night with her family by honoring her mother Diana Ross, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Fans are also excited to see what fashion she shows off this year, reminiscing about her 12-outfit run last year.
Artist of the Year
It is always suspenseful waiting for the big award, and it’s for sure a tight race between the deserving nominees. The 2018 nominees are Drake, Imagine Dragons, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. The list makes sense; It’s hard not to turn on the radio and hear their songs. Regardless of who wins, all of these artists deserve the nod for their dedication to their craft and success in the charts.
The performances
Who needs the awards when you can watch a concert from your couch? This year’s AMAs are packed with an array of artists from all genres. Shawn Mendes will be accompanied by Zedd, who just remixed Mendes’ “Lost in Japan,” marking the live debut of the remix. Best New Artist nominee Dua Lipa will take the AMA stage for the first time to perform “Electricity,” while Post Malone and Ty Dolla $ign will make their AMA debut with “Pyscho.” Carrie Underwood will give us a fix of country with a song off her recently released album Cry Pretty. The eclectic list of performers also includes Mariah Carey, Benny Blanco with Halsey and Khalid, Panic! At The Disco, Ciara with Missy Elliot, Taylor Swift, Camilla Cabello, Jennifer Lopez Ella Mai, Twenty One Pilots, and Cardi B with Bad Bunny and J Balvin.
Aretha Franklin Tribute
After a heavily criticized Aretha Franklin tribute at the 2018 MTV Music Video Awards, it will be interesting to see how the American Music Awards constructs the performance. According to the Associated Press, the tribute will honor Franklin’s gospel roots and her Amazing Grace album.
The 2018 American Music Awards airs Oct. 9 on ABC at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater at 8 p.m. EST.