With just two days to go, the American Music Awards (AMAs) are set to take place this Sunday night, November 19th, at 8/7pm CT on ABC. With thousands of attendees each year, we’re breaking down the nominees and make our predictions on who we believe will win this year.
Artist of the Year:
The Chainsmokers
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran
Prediction: With chart topping singles, a worldwide sold out tour and a loyal fanbase, Ed Sheeran has our vote for Artist of the Year. Seriously, we can’t get “Shape Of You” out of our heads.
New Artist of the Year
James Arthur
Niall Horan
Julia Michaels
Post Malone
Rae Sremmurd
Prediction: Although he’s been around for quite a few years, Niall Horan has climbed to the top of the charts, performed on the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, and so much more. We can’t wait to see what Horan has up his sleeve for his next tour with Maren Morris!
Collaboration of the Year:
The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey, “Closer”
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber, “Despacito”
DJ Khaled feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne, “I’m The One”
Maroon 5 feat. Kendrick Lamar, “Don’t Wanna Know”
The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk, “Starboy”
Prediction: Realistically, this song got stuck in our heads at least 50 times this year. We’re sure they’re excited to be Closer to a
Tour of the Year:
Garth Brooks
Coldplay
U2
Prediction: We laughed, we cried (a lot), we danced, we sang louder than acceptable. Coldplay’s A Head Full of Dreams tour cycle ended yesterday, but we’re still singing along.
Video of the Year:
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee, “Despacito”
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
Ed Sheeran, “Shape of You”
Prediction: With his creative spirit and fun demeanor, Bruno Mars always impresses us with his dance moves. Here’s hoping we see those dance moves in person this year!
Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock
Drake
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran
Prediction: Do we need to say more? Sheeran continues to dominate the music world and this is the perfect way to show our appreciation.
Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock
Alessia Cara
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
Prediction: Making her way back into the music scene ever so carefully, Lady Gaga has had us crying, laughing and singing along with her since her return.
Favorite Duo/Group – Pop/Rock
The Chainsmokers
Coldplay
Imagine Dragons
Prediction: Some critics disagree, but The Chainsmokers maintained a position on the charts all year. With a loyal fanbase and upcoming performances on the Jingle Ball tour, we’re sure they’ll be up there collecting awards.
Favorite Album – Pop/Rock
Drake, More Life
Bruno Mars, 24K Magic
The Weeknd, Starboy
Prediction: “24 Karat magic in the aaiiiiirrr” – Our team singing loudly in the background when Bruno Mars wins Favorite Album.
Favorite Song – Pop/Rock
The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey, “Closer”
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber, “Despacito”
Ed Sheeran, “Shape of You”
Prediction: Toss up. With all three songs topping the charts at different
Favorite Male Artist – Country
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett
Keith Urban
Prediction: Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road,” out earlier this year, made an appearance at this year’s Teen Choice Awards for Best Country Song.
Favorite Female Artist – Country
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Carrie Underwood
Prediction: At just 27 years old, Maren Morris has already landed a Billboard cover, an opening slot and duo with Niall Horan and more. Morris has songs that hit us right where we need them most.
Favorite Duo or Group – Country
Florida Georgia Line
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Prediction: Between nationwide tours and duets with the Backstreet Boys, Florida Georgia Line has had a hell of a year, we’d be surprised if they didn’t win this award.
Favorite Album – Country
Jason Aldean, They Don’t Know
Chris Stapleton, From a Room:, Vol. 1
Keith Urban, Ripcord
Jason Aldean’s They Don’t Know became a major staple on our staff playlists the year with Aldean’s voice smoothly singing over those country chords.
Favorite Song – Country
Sam Hunt, “Body Like a Back Road”
Jon Pardi, “Dirt on My Boots”
Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”
Prediction: Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” has been a clear staple on our country lists this year. From Hunt’s lyrics to the emotion heard in his voice, Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road” is our vote this year.
Favorite Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Migos
Prediction: Can Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Migos share this award? We think all three deserve this.
Favorite Album – Rap/Hip-Hop
Drake, More Life
Kendrick Lamar, Damn.
Migos, Culture
Prediction: Damn., it’s such a great album.
Favorite Song – Rap/Hip-Hop
DJ Khaled feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne, “I’m The One”
Kendrick Lamar, “Humble.”
Rae Sremmurd feat. Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”
Prediction: We still have a soft spot in our hearts for DJ Khaled and with his upcoming Demi Lovato co-headliner, this award would be great promo for the tour.
Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B
Childish Gambino
Bruno Mars
The Weeknd
Prediction: His tour is unstoppable and his music is catchy as ever. We’d love to see The Weeknd take home this award!
Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B
Beyonce
Kehlani
Rihanna
Prediction: At only 22 years old, Kehlani has already grabbed the attention of millions of fans. Nominated for a GRAMMY Award in 2016, we’d love to see Kehlani take home the AMA for Favorite Female Aritst.
Favorite Album – Soul/R&B:
Childish Gambino, Awaken My Love!
Bruno Mars, 24K Magic
The Weeknd, Starboy
Prediction: With constant radio play, award show performances and more, we’re definitely expecting Bruno Mars to be a big ticket winner this weekend.
Favorite Song – Soul/R&B
Khalid, “Location”
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
The Weeknd, “Starboy”
Prediction: We’re not going to like, we sing this song in our heads more often than not. We’d love to see The Weeknd take home this award, especially after all of his hard work on his most recent album.
Favorite Artist: Alternative Rock
Imagine Dragons
Linkin Park
Twenty One Pilots
Prediction: With the tragic passing of Linkin Park’s lead singer, Chester Bennington, we’re hoping the band will be honored with this award this year.
Favorite Artist: Adult Contemporary:
Bruno Mars
Shawn Mendes
Ed Sheeran
Prediction: Back from an extensive tour and and a show stopping MTV Unplugged performance, Shawn Mendes has had an incredible year. Now in the studio again, we’re hoping to see Mendes take home the AMA for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist.
Favorite Artist – Latin
Luis Fonsi
Daddy Yankee
Shakira
Prediction: This one will definitely be up to the fans, who has your vote?
Favorite Artist – Contemporary/Inspirational
Lauren Daigle
MercyMe
Chris Tomlin
Prediction: Chris Tomlin remains a staple in our playlists, especially when we’re down.
Favorite Artist – EDM
The Chainsmokers
Calvin Harris
DJ Snake
Prediction: About to head onto the Holiday Festival circuit, the Chainsmokers’ passionate and dedicated fanbase is a force to be reckoned with. From lining up outside venues early to traveling to see the duo, their votes for The Chainsmokers are sure to put them in the lead.
Top Soundtrack:
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2
Moana
Trolls
Prediction: Let’s face it, we’re still singing the Moana soundtrack, over a year later. And let’s face it again, so is everyone else.
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