2014 American Music Awards

“Get ready to celebrate” said Pitbull just before the AMAs kicked off last night in the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. His words were spot on because although it was an award show, it was the live performances that provided a fantastic entertainment spectacle. It was star-studded night for the music industry.

If you missed the show last night, don’t worry, check out our list of the top 10 performances.

1. Taylor Swift – Blank Space

This performance was amazing! Everyone is talking about it – it really was the most original performance in the show’s history. It was the first time Taylor Swift had performed the song live and she really nailed it. She dangled form the ceiling, fed poisoned apples to her boyfriend, played with fire and looked like an authentic psycho. It was an absolutely stunning performance, I guess you could say Taylor Swift: 100 and Haters: 0

Taylor Swift – Blank Space (Live at the 2014 AMAs)

Later in the evening she was presented the Dick Clark Award for Excellence by the legendary Diana Ross. “Tonight we are all honored to present this to a young woman who has taken the music industry by storm,” Ross said.

2. Lorde – Yellow Flicker Beat

We love Lorde, she owns her own style and is the coolest dancer out there. It was her debut performance of the song and it started off just like a movie with her singing in the dark about “Silver and gold scars”. It was all about the music, and the dancing. She is just the coolest cat on the block. She might not have won any awards but alongside Taylor Swift, she was the star of the show.

3. Sam Smith – I’m Not the Only One

No theatrical sets, no gimmicks, just his gorgeous voice. Oh, and the trench coat of course. A$AP Rocky gave a helping hand on the vocals and dropped his verse into the mix. The standing ovation was well deserved.

Sam Smith – I’m Not The Only One (Live at the 2014 AMAs)

Sam Smith won the Favourite Male Artist for Rock/Pop and gave such an emotional speech – as heartfelt as his songs. “I didn’t think I was going to be winning this … thank you to my fan base. Last year, I wrote an album about being lonely, tonight, I couldn’t feel further from lonely,” he candidly said.

4. Mary. J.Blige – Therapy

Just like Sam Smith’s performance, this was without bells and whistles and put her amazing voice front stage. The song was co-written by Sam Smith and her jazzy, soulful rendition of it was stunning.

5. One Direction – Night Changes

One Direction gave a great live performance, they were one of the few of the night’s performers to sing without a backing track – and hat’s off to them, they did a brilliant job. It might not have been the most exciting cut from their Four album, but they did it justice.

One Direction – Night Changes (Live at the 2014 AMAs)

6. Ariana Grande & The Weekend – Problem/Break Free /Love Me Harder

Not only did Ariana dazzle us with her lacy, black dress, she stunned us with her voice in a jazzy, big band rendition of Problem followed by Break Free and then a beautiful performance of Love Me Harder featuring the Weekend and his hair.

Ariana Grande & The Weeknd – Problem/Break Free/Love Me Harder (Live at the 2014 AMAs)

Ariana Grande & The Weeknd – Problem / Break… by uploaderdisney

7. Nicki Minaj ft. Skylar Grey – Bed of Lies

How refreshing it was to see Nicki Minaj let the song be the star – instead of some part of her anatomy. She stood by the piano in a an elegant ball gown and delivered the song without any theatrics.

Nicki Minaj – Bed of Lies ft. Skylar Grey

8. 5 Seconds of Summer – What I Like About You

We are not boy band fans here at Creation 5, but this performance has started to change our minds. Perhaps 5SOS aren’t a boy band any longer? Their cover of the immortal New Wave hit was the best rock performance of the night. Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood, and Ashton Irwin truly rocked out, as did most of the audience.

5 Seconds of Summer – What I Like About You (Live at the 2014 AMAs)

5 Seconds of Summer – What I Like About You… by uploaderdisney

9. Charli XCX – Boom Clap / Break the Rules

A great performance from Charli who sang the oh so sweet Boom Clap, dressed in a prom gown, which had the whole audience singing along. She then transitioned into a kick-ass performance of Break the Rules tearing off her sweet prom dress to reveal a tight leather skirt and top. A lollipop got smashed to bits at the end, proving that pop music can sometimes rock as hard as rock!

10. Iggy Azalea– Fancy / Beg For It

After a political-themed delivery of Fancy, Iggy transitioned to her latest single, Beg For It. She seemed to be having mic problems during the song which was a shame. Great showmanship nonetheless.
Iggy won the Favourite Artist Rap/Hip Hop and also Best Hip Hop Album for The New Classic. You might think that Iggy has loads of Awards already, but not so, this was her first one, ever!. “This award is the first award I’ve ever won in my whole life.” Well congratulations! Let’s hope for many more!