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AMAs: Recap and Results
24-Nov-2008
Written by: Kristi Kennedy
Superwomen reign supreme at the 2008 American Music Awards.
The AMAs opened up with Christina Aguilera jamming out a super medley of her various hits including “Genie in a Bottle,” “Dirrty,” and the current hit, “Superbitch.”
Considering the rapid pace of the performances, most were impressive and surprisingly entertaining with the exception of a few. The AMAs did a delightful job covering the diverse range of talent encompassing the year’s music stars. There was something for everyone. It was an exercise in vocal superiority and stage performances.
The women, young and old, owned the night. Youngsters Taylor Swift, whose couch sitting performance of “White Horse,” and Miley Cyrus’s defunct, jerky “Fly on the Wall” at least showed why they are worthy of the airtime. Seasoned veterans Annie Lennox received a special merit award and performed “Why,” with Beyoncé doing her toy-solider like “Single Ladies” and Pink in her husky, heartbroken glory performing her new single, “Sober.” Natasha Bedingfield’s stripped down versions of “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine” were notable.
Top male performances go to Ne-Yo, who stepped out to a bond-like “Miss Independent” and “Closer,” using his signature dance moves, and Kanye West. You cannot have a music awards show and not mention Kanye West, who was, as usual, unhappy, but turned in a heavy, heartfelt rendition of “Heartless.”
Given the stellar vocal and dancing performances by the aforementioned only made the misses of the night more painful to endure. The Fray, who has been featured on Grey's Anatomy like two seasons ago and does have a new album coming out, though I am not sure anyone is going to buy it now, performed a song, although I barely remember it. Rihanna’s lackluster, scaffolding rendition of “Rehab” was inferior compared to her past performances. She has been much, much better. (And don’t even get me started on the eye patch. What the?) Lastly, the heartthrobs past and present - New Kids on the Block - who I am a huge fan of, just didn’t cut it. Mediocre vocal ability and dance steps that looked a half step slower than they should have, bring me to the heartthrobs of today, the Jonas Brothers. They were simply painful to listen to - loud, strained, and out of tune vocals. Sorry I had to go there.
Closing the show out, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, and Kathleen Battle collaborated on “Superwomen,” again highlighting superior vocals combined with diversity in music excellence, and Artist of the Year was presented to Chris Brown.
For a complete lists of winners see below.
2008 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARD WINNERS
POP/ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist: Rihanna
Favorite Band, Duo, or Group: Daughtry
Favorite Album: Alicia Keys, As I Am
COUNTRY MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Brad Paisley
Favorite Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Band, Duo, or Group: Rascal Flatts
Favorite Album: Carrie Underwood, Carnival Ride
RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Kanye West
Favorite Band, Duo, or Group: Three 6 Mafia
Favorite Album: Kanye West, Graduation
SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES
Favorite Male Artist: Chris Brown
Favorite Female Artist: Mary J. Blige
Favorite Album: Alicia Keys, As I Am
T-MOBILE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Jonas Brothers
INSPIRATIONAL
Favorite Artist: Third Day
ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Linkin Park
ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Jordin Sparks
SOUNDTRACKS
Favorite Album: Alvin & The Chipmunks
LATIN MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Enrique Iglesias
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Artist of the Year: Chris Brown
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