American Music Awards features gaudy outfits, painful performances

Xavier Strong

The 2017 American Music Awards were kicked off with a rousing introduction by Jamie Foxx. He invoked gratitude to first responders of all government agencies.

“Even as we mourn those who were lost, we know this,” Foxx said. “Together our strength will pull us through. Together we shall overcome the pain. Together we can unite as a people and as a nation.”

Next, he introduced Pink and Kelly Clarkson, performing for the first time together. From there, however, the AMA’s spiraled down into a soulless, celebrity-worshiping show, worthy of “The Hunger Games.” Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, from the ABC comedy show “Black-ish,” the AMA’s felt like an overblown celebration of extravagance. Ross delivered one painfully unfunny introduction after another, sporting twelve different over the top outfits throughout the course of the show. The only outfit relevant to the category or performance being introduced was her throwback to Diana Ross, her mother, who was receiving the american music lifetime achievement award.

Despite mostly bland performances by artists performing their top hits, a few stood out from the crowd. Selena Gomez performed a beautiful rendition of “Wolves,” her new hit single.

Pink’s staggering aerial performance from the side of the J.W. Marriott tower astounded both the audience and viewers watching from their televisions. She sang “Beautiful Trauma” Suspended on the side of the tower and flanked by talented dancers. Pink managed to follow gravity defying choreography and sing without missing a beat.

One of the touching moments of the AMAs came with Christina Aguilera’s tribute to Whitney Houston. Receiver of 21 AMA awards, more than any other female artist in history, Houston inspired women throughout her career. Aguilera performed a medley from “The Bodyguard,” the film that catapulted Houston to international fame.

If you happened to miss the AMA’s, lucky you. Go online and watch the highlight performances of your favorite artists. Other than that, unless you enjoy listening to cash-grab radio pop and watching cookie cutter artists caked in makeup and overblown outfits, don’t bother watching the show in it’s entirety.