Who is Performing at the 2016 American Music Awards?
The performance lineup has been announced for the 2016 AMAs, airing November 20th. From James Bay to Fifth Harmony, we’ve got the lineup for you here!
James Bay
James Bay will make his American Music Awards performance debut this year. He is probably one of the most talented young guitarists in music today, and may seem like an AMA performance outlier. Don’t let him fool you, though. You’ll fall in love with his delicate sound.
The Chainsmokers & Halsey
The Chainsmokers will pair up with Halsey for an AMA performance duet. The Chainsmokers have blown up this year with singles like, “Don’t Let Me Drown” and their newest, “All We Know”. They are also nominated this year for New Artist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Favorite Duo or Group- Pop/Rock, and Favorite Artist- Electronic Dance Music.
Halsey blew up in a matter of months– from MTVs “Artist to Watch” last year to selling out Madison Square Garden.
Fifth Harmony
Fifth Harmony are also making their AMA performance debut this year with their song, “That’s My Girl”. They are also first time nominees. The ladies hope to take home the AMA for Collaboration of the Year.
Green Day
Green Day recently released a new album, Revolution Radio, which is politically-fueled and speaks about the culture of violence we live in here in the United States. Watch for something radical from the punk rock group. It’ll be just weeks from the Presidential election, afterall.
Lady Gaga
As this year’s pick for the Super Bowl halftime show, it’s no surprise that we’ll see Lady Gaga up on the AMA stage again. Her new album, Joanne, was released earlier this month and has topped all of the charts. Personally, I’m hoping for a wicket mashup of new and old songs from the pop queen.
Ariana Grande feat. Nicki Minaj
Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj will perform their explosive hit “Side to Side”. This will be both ladies’ fourth time performing at the American Music Awards.
John Legend
This will be John Legend’s AMA debut, if you can believe it. We haven’t heard what the crooner may sing for us, but it’s sure to be great.
Bruno Mars
With the stellar new single, “24K Magic” making its way up the charts, Bruno Mars is again on top of the world, and on top of the AMA’s stage. In fact, Bruno will open the awards this year. This is also his first performance for the AMAs.
Shawn Mendes
Another newcomer to the AMA stage, Shawn Mendes will perform this year, although we haven’t heard when or what yet.
Sting
Sting will perform at the AMAs as well as receiving The American Music Award of Merit. His first album in decades, 57th & 9th, will be released November 11th. Sting cites Prince’s death and climate change as some of the inspiration behind his latest.
Twenty One Pilots
Still riding the success of their super-duper popular album Blurryface, Twnety One Pilots have multiple nominations to look forward as well as a performance. Watch for Tyler Joseph to perform with a blackened neck and hands- a signature for his performances lately.
Twenty One Pilots are nominated for Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/ Group, and Favorite Alternative Artist.
Carlos Vives with Shakira
Shakira is back, and she’s bringing a friend. Carlos Vives is also a Colombian-born musician. Both he and Shakira have made a name for themselves in Latin music.
Shakira first performed at the AMAs 15 years ago in 2001 and is a four-time AMA winner.
The Weeknd
The Weeknd will show off his new music and new hair do this year. The “Starboy” singer is also nominated for three awards this year: Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist, and Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist.
Next: What Albums are Being Released Friday, November 4th?
The American Music Awards will air live Sunday, November 20th at 8pm ET/ 7pm CST.