Taylor Swift Makes History at the American Music Awards—And Yes, Gets A Little Political

Vogue

Updated October 9, 2018 at 10:51 PM

Swift has now won a record breaking 22 American Music Awards, becoming the most decorated artist in that show's history.

Taylor Swift, the pop superstar recently embraced by liberal America for her last minute endorsement of Democratic Senatorial candidate Phil Bredesen and House of Representatives hopeful Jim Cooper (she condemned Republican candidate Marsha Blackburn, saying Blackburn’s record of opposing equal pay and LGBTQ rights protections “appalls” and “terrifies” her) made history on Tuesday night at the 46th annual American Music Awards, from which she has now won a record-breaking 22 trophies, tying and then surpassing Whitney Houston as that show's most decorated artist.

Swift opened the show with a performance of "I Did Something Bad" off her album Reputation, for which she strutted and thrust around a red-lit stage in sequins and knee high boots in front of a giant snake statue. It was her first awards show performance in three years. And while her recent leap into the political fray made for good pre-show red carpet fodder for some attendees (who uniformly praised her using her platform for good), and Billy Eichner took the opportunity before presenting an award to Shawn Mendes to plead with the audience to register to vote "like Taylor Swift told you to", for most of the evening, Swift herself kept mum on the topic—with one major exception.

For her first acceptance speech, for the award for best tour, Swift thanked her tour mates, band, and backup singers, and crews, as well as the fans whose attendance made it possible. For the second speech, for best pop/rock album, she thanked her fans for liking "this chapter", and the friends who'd remained loyal. For the third, she thanked her fans for being "so nice, and fun, and cool, and loyal" and told them that "every time that you have ever made me lucky enough to win an award, it means something different" and that this one "represents encouragement and motivation for me to be better work harder and try and make you guys proud as much as I can...so thank you for this incredible symbol of encouragement." What makes the AMAs special, Swift added, was that they were voted on by the people. "And you know what else is voted on by the people?" Swift asked, as the audience cheered: "is the midterm elections on November 6. Get out and vote. I love you guys." You heard her.

https://twitter.com/AMAs/status/1049853862058684417

See All the Celebrity Looks From the 2018 AMA's:

American Music Awards 2018: Fashion—Live From the Red Carpet

<h1 class="title">Jennifer Lopez in Georges Chakra Couture and Jimmy Choo shoes and bag</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jennifer Lopez in Georges Chakra Couture and Jimmy Choo shoes and bag
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Rita Ora</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Rita Ora
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<h1 class="title">Ciara</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Ciara
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<h1 class="title">Leighton Meester</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Leighton Meester
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Camila Cabello with Christian Louboutin shoes and Bulgari jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Camila Cabello with Christian Louboutin shoes and Bulgari jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Gladys Knight</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Gladys Knight
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Amandla Stenberg</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Amandla Stenberg
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<h1 class="title">Rami Malek</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Rami Malek
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<h1 class="title">Busy Philipps in Michael Kors Collection</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Busy Philipps in Michael Kors Collection
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<h1 class="title">Heidi Klum in Julien Macdonald</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Heidi Klum in Julien Macdonald
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<h1 class="title">Sevyn Streeter</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Sevyn Streeter
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<h1 class="title">CeCe Winans</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — CeCe Winans
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<h1 class="title">Lexy Panterra</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lexy Panterra
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Carrie Underwood with Le Silla shoes and L' Dezen jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Carrie Underwood with Le Silla shoes and L' Dezen jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Mimi Saballa</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Mimi Saballa
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<h1 class="title">Quavo</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Quavo
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<h1 class="title">Lauren Daigle</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lauren Daigle
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<h1 class="title">Kathryn Hahn</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Kathryn Hahn
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<h1 class="title">John Stamos</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — John Stamos
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<h1 class="title">Offset and Cardi B</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Offset and Cardi B
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<h1 class="title">Bad Bunny and J Balvin</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Bad Bunny and J Balvin
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<h1 class="title">Qveen Herby</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Qveen Herby
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<h1 class="title">Post Malone</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Post Malone
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<h1 class="title">G-Eazy and Halsey</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — G-Eazy and Halsey
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<h1 class="title">Taran Killam</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Taran Killam
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Amber Heard with Christian Louboutin shoes</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Amber Heard with Christian Louboutin shoes
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Marsai Martin in Pamella Roland</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Marsai Martin in Pamella Roland
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<h1 class="title">Cobie Smulders with a Roger Vivier bag</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Cobie Smulders with a Roger Vivier bag
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Bebe Rexha in Le Silla shoes</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Bebe Rexha in Le Silla shoes
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Michael Trewartha and Kyle Trewartha</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Michael Trewartha and Kyle Trewartha
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Dua Lipa</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Dua Lipa
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<h1 class="title">Constance Wu with Brumani jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Constance Wu with Brumani jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson with Effy Jewelry jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson with Effy Jewelry jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Halle Bailey and Chloe Bailey</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Halle Bailey and Chloe Bailey
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Alexa Bliss</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Alexa Bliss
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<h1 class="title">Tyra Banks with a Tadashi Shoji bag</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Tyra Banks with a Tadashi Shoji bag
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Shawn Mendes</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Shawn Mendes
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Kelsea Ballerini in Nicolas Jebran</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Kelsea Ballerini in Nicolas Jebran
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Chantel Jeffries</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Chantel Jeffries
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Ty Dolla Sign and Lauren Jauregui in Pamella Roland</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Ty Dolla Sign and Lauren Jauregui in Pamella Roland
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Khalid</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Khalid
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Liza Koshy</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Liza Koshy
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Tiffany Young</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Tiffany Young
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Laura Marano in Galia Lahav and with Tacori jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Laura Marano in Galia Lahav and with Tacori jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Poppy</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Poppy
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Zedd</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Zedd
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Taylor Swift</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Taylor Swift
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Thomas Rhett</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Thomas Rhett
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<h1 class="title">Kane Brown</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Kane Brown
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Amara La Negra</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Amara La Negra
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<h1 class="title">Tracee Ellis Ross in Pyer Moss</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Tracee Ellis Ross in Pyer Moss
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Tina Guo</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Tina Guo
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Charisse Mills</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Charisse Mills
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Vanessa Hudgens in Cushnie</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Vanessa Hudgens in Cushnie
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Alex Pall in Etro and Christian Louboutin shoes and Andrew Taggart in Etro, Christian Louboutin shoes and with Jennifer Fisher jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Alex Pall in Etro and Christian Louboutin shoes and Andrew Taggart in Etro, Christian Louboutin shoes and with Jennifer Fisher jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Miles Brown</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Miles Brown
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Becca Tilley in Haney and with H.Stern jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Becca Tilley in Haney and with H.Stern jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Loren Gray</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Loren Gray
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Keltie Knight</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Keltie Knight
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Scott Evans</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Scott Evans
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">PatrickStarrr</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — PatrickStarrr
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Jessie James Decker</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jessie James Decker
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Lexi Drew</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lexi Drew
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Erika Jayne</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Erika Jayne
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Zach Sang</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Zach Sang
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Lil Dicky and Benny Blanco</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lil Dicky and Benny Blanco
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Sibley Scoles</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Sibley Scoles
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Teala Dunn</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Teala Dunn
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Nia Sioux</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Nia Sioux
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Kris Wu</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Kris Wu
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Macaulay Culkin</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Macaulay Culkin
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Ella Mai in Sergio Hudson</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Ella Mai in Sergio Hudson
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Ledisi</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Ledisi
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Rickey Minor and Rachel Montez Minor</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Rickey Minor and Rachel Montez Minor
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Joseph Mazzello</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Joseph Mazzello
Photo: Getty Images

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American Music Awards 2018: Fashion—Live From the Red Carpet

Jennifer Lopez in Georges Chakra Couture and Jimmy Choo shoes and bag

Rita Ora

Ciara

Leighton Meester

Camila Cabello with Christian Louboutin shoes and Bulgari jewelry

Gladys Knight

Amandla Stenberg

Rami Malek

Busy Philipps in Michael Kors Collection

Heidi Klum in Julien Macdonald

Sevyn Streeter

CeCe Winans

Lexy Panterra

Carrie Underwood with Le Silla shoes and L' Dezen jewelry

Mimi Saballa

Quavo

Lauren Daigle

Kathryn Hahn

John Stamos

Offset and Cardi B

Bad Bunny and J Balvin

Qveen Herby

Post Malone

G-Eazy and Halsey

Taran Killam

Amber Heard with Christian Louboutin shoes

Marsai Martin in Pamella Roland

Cobie Smulders with a Roger Vivier bag

Bebe Rexha in Le Silla shoes

Michael Trewartha and Kyle Trewartha

Dua Lipa

Constance Wu with Brumani jewelry

Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson with Effy Jewelry jewelry

Halle Bailey and Chloe Bailey

Alexa Bliss

Tyra Banks with a Tadashi Shoji bag

Shawn Mendes

Kelsea Ballerini in Nicolas Jebran

Chantel Jeffries

Ty Dolla Sign and Lauren Jauregui in Pamella Roland

Khalid

Liza Koshy

Tiffany Young

Laura Marano in Galia Lahav and with Tacori jewelry

Poppy

Zedd

Taylor Swift

Thomas Rhett

Kane Brown

Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky

Amara La Negra

Tracee Ellis Ross in Pyer Moss

Tina Guo

Charisse Mills

Vanessa Hudgens in Cushnie

Alex Pall in Etro and Christian Louboutin shoes and Andrew Taggart in Etro, Christian Louboutin shoes and with Jennifer Fisher jewelry

Miles Brown

Becca Tilley in Haney and with H.Stern jewelry

Loren Gray

Keltie Knight

Scott Evans

PatrickStarrr

Jessie James Decker

Lexi Drew

Erika Jayne

Zach Sang

Lil Dicky and Benny Blanco

Sibley Scoles

Teala Dunn

Nia Sioux

Kris Wu

Macaulay Culkin

Ella Mai in Sergio Hudson

Ledisi

Rickey Minor and Rachel Montez Minor

Joseph Mazzello

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