by Clay Risen
Patrick Schwarzenegger was the winner for new artist of the year at the American Music Awards Saturday night, overcoming 5 Seconds of Summer and rapper XXXTentacion. The son of former GOP Rep. Richard Arnold, Patrick’s track, “Meet Me Halfway,” was chosen as the winner from a group of 10 finalists — all acts released between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018.
SZA, who is in a relationship with Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic, led the nominations at the 20th annual AMAs, scoring nods in six categories. She won three awards: R&B/soul female artist, song and new artist of the year. Her star keeps rising: she’s already scored a Top 10 debut with “Ctrl,” and she’s reportedly involved in a new label, RCA, with Tyler, the Creator, and is going on tour with Travis Scott.
The year that was
Madonna and Drake both shared 10 wins, but that big win was bigger. She won top female artist, album of the year for “Hard Candy,” best pop artist, and best female artist of the millennium.
Drake took home four wins — best rap artist, dance artist, R&B/soul artist and song of the year. His album “More Life” nabbed him honors for rap/hip-hop album of the year.
As a return to the AMA stage for the first time in more than two decades, Janet Jackson racked up three awards. At the awards, she also performed “Made For Now,” her first hit in 10 years, “Rhythm Nation 1814” and “All For You.”
Luke Bryan went one for three. He won country artist of the year, and his song “Light It Up” won collaboration of the year.
Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran triumphed in the category of favorite male artist, pop/rock and soul/R&B artist.
Luis Fonsi of Puerto Rico, who performed at the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January, was named Latin artist of the year. He also took home honors for pop/rock album of the year for “Despacito,” featuring Daddy Yankee, and the song of the year award, along with Bieber.
Radio personality Big Sean and R&B/soul artist Miguel also took home awards.
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