13 Things to Watch During the 2016 American Music Awards
The 2016 American Music Awards are this weekend, and it's shaping up to be an amazing combination of literally all of our favorite celebs. The excitement for the award show begins with its incredible co-hosts, Gigi Hadid and Jay Pharoah, and continues on to its stellar list of nominees and performers. There are ten musicians vying for the coveted Artist of the Year award, including some names that have been linked romantically – like Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, as well as Drake and Rihanna.
Of course, exes potentially coming face-to-face with each other isn't the only story here. Hot newcomers like Alessia Cara, Shawn Mendes, and DNCE are competing for the Best New Artist nod, while Calvin Harris and the Chainsmokers are being recognized for their electronic vibes. And one of the most exciting parts of the night will involve the performers – and the list is full of one hot name after the next. Here are 13 things that we can definitely look forward to as we gear up to watch the awards this Sunday.
1/13Jay Pharoah as co-host will be epic.
Rapper, comedian, and former SNL star Jay Pharoah will undoubtedly bring all the humor and energy to the AMAs as he takes the stage with Gigi Hadid on Sunday night. Speaking of Gigi....
2/13We can't wait to see Zigi on the red carpet!
Gigi is so excited for Zayn Malik, who is nominated for New Artist of the Year, and we're psyched to watch her cheer him on. Additionally, we know Gigi is going to make an amazing co-host, and we can't wait for her flawless stage presence and energy.
3/13Fifth Harmony will be performing.
Fifth Harmony is one of the performers who will be taking the stage on Sunday. They will be singing their hit song, "That's My Girl," so prepare to feel empowered.
4/13Adele is nominated!
Adele is up for Artist of the Year, as well as Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Album, and Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist. Her legacy lives on.
5/13Selena Gomez is up for some major awards.
Although Selena isn't performing this year, she's received a handful of pretty big nominations. It's unclear as to whether or not Selena will actually be at the ceremony, but the producer of the AMAs has mentioned that she "might make an appearance." Fingers crossed!
6/13She'll be going head-to-head with Justin Bieber, too.
Ever since this summer's Instagram dramaaaaa, we've been on the lookout for any interaction between Justin and Selena. Given their history, we're not sure how this competition would play out. Guess we'll have to wait until Sunday to know for sure. (Justin, for his part, will be streaming in from Zurich, proving that he can and will be in two places at once.)
7/13DNCE will likely be there!
The group is up for the New Artist of the Year award, as well as Favorite Pop/Rock Band. With their catchy hits, we wouldn't be surprised if they won both.
8/13Rihanna and Drake are both nominated for Artist of the Year, too.
Ever since that moment at the VMAs this summer – y'know, where Drake essentially professed his love to Rihanna – we've been waiting for more. It's been reported that the two are in an open relationship, but who knows. Maybe they'll share another kiss at the awards this weekend.
9/13And THIS again.
Halsey and the Chainsmokers will be taking the stage together on Sunday, and we literally cannot wait. Halsey tweeted yesterday, "Closer AMA performance just me and @drewtaggart karate kicking to the camera." Whatever you say, Halsey. We'll watch no matter what.
10/13Niall Horan is going to perform — solo.
For the first time ever, Niall will be taking the AMA stage as a solo act. He's set to perform "This Town" on Sunday night. Given the One Direction performed with Zayn in 2014, and then without him in 2015, the fact that the numbers have now dwindled to one feels mega significant.
11/13Are you ready for the Weeknd? We're ready for the Weeknd.
The Weeknd is up for three awards at the AMAs – and he certainly deserves it. We haven't stopped listening to "Starboy" since it dropped.
12/13Bruno Mars will also perform.
Raise your hand if you perpetually have "24k Magic" stuck in your head. (We're raising our hands.) We can't wait to see Bruno Mars dazzle us onstage!
13/13Two words: LADY. GAGA.
We're fairly certain that Lady Gaga's performance this weekend is going to be so epic that we'll need a new word for epic.
