Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009

American Music Awards 2009 update: Taylor Swift wins artist of the year, Adam Lambert shocks fans

Taylor Swift won artist of the year at the 2009 American Music Awards Sunday, beating Michael Jackson for the title.

Swift won in five of the six categories in which she was nominated at this year's AMAs. Jackson posthumously won four AMAs this year. He now has a total of 23 AMAs, a record.

But music fans know the AMAs are just as much about performances as the awards. This year was no exception.

Performance-wise, there was the good: Lady Gaga's mirror-shattering, flame-infused, two-song performance; an energetic performance of "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys; Whitney Houston's emotional comeback rendition of "I Didn't Know My Own Strength."

There was the bad, namely an over-hyped performance by Jennifer Lopez. She sang her new single, "Louboutins," amid a cheesy boxing gimmick -- she also took a tumble, to make matters worse.

And, of course, there was the "is this really happening?" That distinction goes to "American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert, who shocked fans with a sex-infused rendition of his new single, "For Your Entertainment." He put a male dancer on a leash, and rubbed his crotch against a male dancer's face.

Was Lambert's performance artistic, or too much to handle? Who was your favorite performer of the night? And does Taylor Swift deserve to be artist of the year?

Read the full recap below, and then share your thoughts with us.

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The show opened with an extended performance by Janet Jackson. She sang a medley of her greatest hits, including songs like "Miss You Much," "What Have You Done for Me Lately," "If" and more. She also performed her newest song, "Make Me." Then, she wrapped up with her 1997 hit, "Together Again." Even though Janet didn't directly mention Michael Jackson during the song, it seemed to pay tribute to her brother.

Then, the awards kicked off.

8:08: Paula Abdul takes the podium, reminding us that fans decide the winners of the AMAs.

8:10: The Black Eyed Peas win best pop/rock band, duo or group.

8:15: Rascal Flatts win best country band, duo or group.

8:17: Daughtry performs "Life After You." It's a typical guitar-heavy performance, no major frills. The song is good, though.

8:20: Shakira performs, opening her number with a step routinte. She's accompanied by a leotard-clad step troupe. She sings "Give It Up to Me" while donning a slinky black getup. In its original form, the song features Lil Wayne, but he's not here for this performance. The song is heavy on the pelvic thrusts, to say the least.

Yikes. I just lost my Internet connection. Sorry, guys. I blame it on Kanye West trying to sabotage a future Taylor Swift win.

Anyway, while I was struggling with the Internet, Keith Urban performed "Kiss a Girl" while wearing a glittery shirt and a pocket chain...yes, all in the same outfit. Then, Kelly Clarkson sang "Already Gone' while accompanied by a small stringed orchestra. It was good, but I'm kind of craving the energy of her "Since U Been Gone" days.

8:44: Taylor Swift wins favorite female pop/rock artist. Did she really deserve to beat Beyonce and Lady Gaga? I don't know. Anyway, Taylor's not there, but she accepts the award via video from her tour in London.