Fashion Goes Backward and Forward at the 2011 American Music Awards
It was a fashionable night to remember at the 2011 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 20, as contenders and winners competed for the public's love via the awards which are based on audience voting via text and the Internet.
Taylor Swift, who took home three AMAs including Artist of the Year, channeled old Hollywood in a glittery golden strapless gown, and Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez followed her lead, he in a classic tuxedo and she in a slinky cream satin gown that evoked the 1930s. Bieber lost out to Bruno Mars as Pop/Rock Male Artist of the Year, however.
Nicki Minaj kicked off the show performing her hits "Super Bass" and "Turn Me On," then teetered across the stage in a wacky gown and high heels to accept her first of two wins, for Rap/Hip Hop Artist. Her "Pink Friday" CD was her other winner, for Rap/Hip Hop Album.
Jennifer Lopez, who won the Latin Music Artist award, started out demure as she began her medley performance of "Papi" and two other songs, but soon was stripped down to almost nothing in a nude body suit.
Katy Perry went pink, all the way from her dress to her dyed hair, which was styled in a homage to the Andrews Sisters of the 1940s. She sang "The One That Got Away" and received a special achievement award from Heidi Klum, complete with a kiss.
Kelly Clarkson chose a bright red, glittery "Jessica Rabbit"-inspired gown as she performed "Mr. Know It All," and later tweeted, "It was so much fun!" Presenter Jennifer Hudson along with Jenny McCarthy, Julie Bowen, Cheryl Hines and Vanessa Minnillo definitely raised the bar for looking great during awards season.
Other winners included Adele, who is currently recovering from throat surgery, and Beyonce, whose pregnancy seems to be curtailing her appearance schedule this fall, as well as Maroon 5, Usher, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, the Foo Fighters, Casting Crowns, Rihanna and New Artist of the Year Hot Chelle Rae.
