Random thoughts on the American Music Awards

The American Music Awards (AMA)  kicked off the awards season by honoring accomplishments for the year 2007 with a grand show last Sunday evening Nov. 18 and we got it on Star World on Monday, Nov. 19, live.

Because of the Writers’ Guild of America strike, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel had to wing it throughout most of the show which was held at the new Nokia theater. But thanks to a game audience like Kid Rock who joined in an impromptu gag, it turned out to be a truly entertaining evening. Not just entertaining. I would say that given the performances and the celebrity turn-out, it was actually a huge success. Producer Dick Clark who created the AMA in 1973, may not be as active as in the previous years but he still pulls a lot of clout.

The nominees were chosen on the basis of airplay and record sales. For the first time in 35 years though, the winners were chosen via on-line voting. This is perfectly acceptable in the case of the AMA which is actually a popularity contest. Take note that the categories do not say Best but Favorite, unlike the local Awit Awards which says Best Performance by a New Artist and then chooses the winner via text votes. Yuk! But to go back to the AMA and to clarify how it works, let me say that had he released an album that became a hit, Sanjaya Malakar could have easily won because of his fans.

This is not to say that the 2007 AMA winners are not deserving. In fact voters in the US handily struck a balance between artistic excellence and commercial appeal in their choices. The same goes for American Idol (AI). The AMA proved that the TV show is doing the right thing as far as choosing the finalists and helping the public pick the right idols. Winner Fantasia Barino was a nominee. Finalist Kellie Pickler looked very sexy presenting a trophy and touting her new number one CD. And the top winners of the evening both came from AI.

Bagging three trophies each were AI finalist Chris Daughtry and his band and winner Carrie Underwood. Favorite Pop or Rock Album was Daughtry by Daughtry, which also won as Favorite Adult Contemporary and Breakthrough Artist. Carrie was Favorite Country Female Artist and got the T-Mobile Text-in Award plus Favorite Country Album for her Some Hearts. I have a feeling that these two will also rake it in at the Grammys.

Beyoncé Knowles who looked stunning, was honored with the International Artist Award. This was previously given only to the likes of Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart and Aerosmith. Now I hope that those local artists who caught Beyoncé’s spell-binding performance at Taguig also caught her at the AMA where she accepted her trophy with these words: “I’m so blessed to wake up every morning and do what I love, I don’t take it for granted.”

That is the secret to her success. Never take anything for granted especially the fans. She is thankful that people take the time and trouble to watch her perform, not to mention the big bucks, they pay, and she shows her appreciation by giving them the performance of a lifetime.

Incidentally, Beyoncé performed her hit Irreplaceable, country music style with the duo Sugarland. Another lesson learned. A good song is always a good song. You can twist it, turn it upside down, dress it up or strip it down, but it will still sound good.

The come-backing Duran Duran performed new single Falling Down and their classic Hungry Like a Wolf. So did the Jonas Brothers, the current heartthrobs of the tween set. They made me wonder when Pinoy teen girls will discover them. Lenny Kravitz is out to reclaim his throne from John Legend with his ballad I’ll Be Waiting. I do not know if I can say the same about Celine Dion who looked tired and wilted singing Taking Chances. Nothing really wrong with her of course. I guess the same will happen to any female who dares to come between Fergie and Beyoncé.

It was Fergie who opened the show with a rousing medley of her hits and then closed it by winning the Favorite Pop or Rock Female Artist trophy. The others who went home with prizes were:

Favorite Pop or Rock. Male: Justin Timberlake; Band: Nickelback;

Favorite Country. Male: Tim McGraw; Band: Rascal Flatts.

Favorite Soul or Rhythm & Blues. Male: Akon; Female: Rihanna; Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds by Timberlake.

Favorite Rap or Hip-Hop: T.I.; Album: T.I. vs T.I.P.; Group: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Favorite Latin Artist: Jennifer Lopez

Favorite Alternative Rock Artist: Linkin Park

Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist: Casting Crowns

Favorite Soundtrack: High School Musical 2