Beech Tree News Network

Sunday night November 18 was the 2012 American Music Awards. A performance by Usher kicked off what I assumed to be a bunch of songs I didn’t know or would speed through.  One interesting fact, this was the 40th Anniversary of the awards show created by the late Dick Clark. 

The first award was favorite pop-rock male, and it was given to Justin Bieber.  Modern Family’s hilarious Eric Stonestreet presented favorite country female artist to Taylor Swift, who is about as country these days as Bruce Springsteen.  This was her 11th American Music Award.  They showed AMA flashback moments, which was cool. Seeing a young Janet Jackson was pretty fun.  Personal level of musical enjoyment so far: 2%. 

American Idol winner Dave Matthews, Jr, I mean Phillip Phillips, and some girl from Pretty Little Liars, introduced a Carly Rae Jepsen performance-eh, not too impressed.  After some techno-pop garbage, Randy Jackson introduced the first-and one of the few great-American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson to sing a medley of her hits. 

Ne Yo and my girlfriend in secret, Stacy Keibler (yeah, right) presented Nicki Minaj  with favorite rap album.  Cyndi Lauper introduced a Ke$ha performance.  Did you all know she can’t sing? Pop duo Karmin introduced the ever awesome No Doubt for a performance of their new single.  I’m a big fan (not nearly as much as my sister, but a fan nonetheless.  Kerry Washington from Scandal and Apolo Anton Ono presented favorite alternative artist to Linkin Park (who I believe were last relevant 4 years ago). 

Taylor Swift performed something that resembled music.  I proceed to move forward quickly. Favorite Soul/R&B performer went to Usher. Another old school AMA clip was shown before Lady A presented favorite country male to Luke Bryan-his very first AMA.  Pink gave what can only be explained as an odd performance (that’s saying something when you’re on the same show as Nicki Minaj).  The Backstreet Boys presented New Artis to Carly Rae Jepsen.  Favorite Country Band was given to Lady A. A new category, Electronic Dance Music(Why, just why?) was awarded inaugural to David Guetta. 

Two of my favorites, Christina Aguilera and Pitbull, were the next two acts.  Justin Beiber, trying to look like Eminem I think, won favorite pop album.  Luke Bryan and Jenny McCarthy introduced a performance by Carrie Underwood, who would later win Favorite Country Album for Blown Away.  Ryan Seacrest gave the Dick Clark tribute-pretty moving.  Stevie Wonder performed as part of the tribute.  Justin Beiber was presented Artist of the Year and one hit wonder Psy closed the show.  Mercifully and thankfully, the mess known as the American Music Awards was over.  Happy Thanksgiving! Bring on turkey and football!

Hello, my name is Andy Sullivan. I received my bachelor’s degree in business from Mid-Continent University in May 2009. I began writing for Beech Tree News in July 2009.  I enjoy playing guitar, the occasional Wii game, writing, and listening to music. I write a sports blog that can be found at http://www.tumblr.com/blog/sports-news-and-views.  If you have a comment, feel free to leave it in the space below.