|
 Debonair at every turn, Timberlake put on a great performance and
said something funny each time he appeared. But it was Taylor Swift
who won the night, taking home four awards, including top honor
artist of the year for the third time. It was Rihanna who won the
Icon Award — at age 25. And it was Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Katy
Perry who will again drive the morning's water-cooler conversation
with their continuing awards show brinksmanship.
Not to worry, though, JT, we'll still include you our five moments
to remember. But first, Miley:
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Miley's kitty: What was that exactly? We can describe it, no
problem: Cyrus performed her hit "Wrecking Ball" as a duet of sorts
with a giant, lip-syncing CGI kitten that floated through space
projected on a screen behind her. But no way can we explain it.
Playfully absurdist, it was a moment Salvador Dali would be proud
of. And like all of these performances so far, it became
delightfully self-referential when the cat finished the song by
winking and sticking its tongue out — Cyrus' trademark move.
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Mr. President: After imitating a sex act last weekend on "Saturday
Night Live," it was hard to imagine how Lady Gaga and R. Kelly might
approach their performance of "Do What U Want" on Sunday night. They
went high concept, casting Kelly as the president and Gaga as a
Marilyn Monroe-like figure. Throughout the course of the song, Gaga
dances on President Kelly's desk as he gazes up at her, their
relationship is outed on Instagram and Kelly storms out when a
reporter starts questioning him about the affair.
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The question: As usual, comedian Sarah
Silverman got right to the heart of the uncomfortable subject in
the room — white folks winning awards that usually go to black
performers. She noted the nominees for favorite soul/R&B album
were Timberlake, Robin Thicke and Rihanna: "One, a white kid
from the Mickey Mouse Club, one the son of the dad from 'Growing
Pains,' and the other a strong, soulful Caribbean woman of
color. I don't know who will win, but I do know who should find
this most ironic if she loses."
Timberlake, also the favorite soul-R&B male artist, won: "Thank
you, Sarah. Growing up in Memphis, Tenn., I can honestly say
that's the first time I've ever been racially profiled by a
white woman."
[to top of second column] |
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Channeling Celia: You're left wondering after the
show how long Jennifer Lopez prepared for her Celia Cruz tribute.
Lopez was sexy and dazzling, leading a troupe of two dozen dancers
through complex routines without missing a step in salute to the
Salsa legend. She changed outfits on stage twice, finishing with a
shimmering silver singlet and wining triumphantly at the crowd as
her dancers sprawled about her at the end of the tribute.
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Hi, mom: Monica Fenty, Rihanna's mom, hi-jacked the show when she
came on stage to present her daughter with the AMA's first Icon
Award. The singer put her arm around her mother as she spoke, and
after accepting the award she
told stories about growing up in Barbados.
"Right now I cannot believe at 25 years old that I'm holding an Icon
Award," Rihanna said. "That is weird to even say out loud."
___
Online:
http://theamas.com/
[Associated
Press; CHRIS TALBOTT]
Follow AP Music Writer
Chris Talbott:
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