Women Dominate the American Music Awards

November 24, 2008 by Kimberlee Morrison

The American Music Awards aired last night and for once, the women dominated the festivities.

Alicia Keys took home two awards, one for favorite pop/rock album and another for favorite soul/R&B album. Rihanna received awards for favorite female artist in the pop/rock and R&B categories, Jordin Sparks won favorite female adult contemporary artist, as did Taylor Swift for country music; while Carrie Underwood took home the award for favorite country album. The two special awards went to Mariah Carey and Annie Lennox who received an honorary award and a Award of Merit respectively.

The performances of the night were touch and go; dialed in and just so-so for the most part. There were however a few stand outs.

In terms of energy, Miley Cyrus was fantastic, in a cute, well trained Disney star way. When watching her perform, you sort of get the sense that she has the potential to become one of the next pop queens. That is, as long as she manages her stardom - and the trappings thereof - properly.

Beyoncé was beautiful, sexy, and strong, however her formula is starting to show. This is not to say she wasn’t entertaining. I mean, you gotta give the girl credit for being a true show woman and working her ass of. You can tell she gives her all and she’s a professional. However, something about her performance seemed a bit detached. She was just going through the motions and sort of disengaged with the audience. This could have been more of a reflection on the audience than Beyoncé herself.

It was P!nk who gave me chills with her naked and vulnerable performance of “Sober” from her latest album Funhouse. While I personally don’t think this is P!nk’s best album, it is certainly turning out to be one of the most successful. Even more than that though, it is deeply introspective, which came through beautifully while she was on stage.