By Danielle Broadway and Lisa Richwine
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Dove Cameron was named best new artist and Dan + Shay took home the prize for country duo or group on Sunday at the start of the American Music Awards, the world’s largest fan-voted ceremony.
Singer Pink opened the show dancing and singing on roller skates to her upbeat song “Never Gonna Not Dance Again.”
Comedian and host Wayne Brady attempted a rap in his monologue. “Ain’t nobody getting slapped tonight,” Brady joked, referencing Will Smith’s infamous attack on Chris Rock at the Oscars.
Cameron, a former Disney Channel actress who reached the Billboard charts this year with the pop single “Boyfriend,” earned the first trophy of the night with her best new artist win.
Machine Gun Kelly, wearing a purple suit with long silver spikes, was named favorite rock artist. “Thank you to the fans that got me here and I love you,” he said on stage.
Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny started the night with a leading eight nominations. He faces British vocalist Adele, American pop singer Harry Styles and Canadian musician The Weeknd for artist of the year, the night’s top prize.
Rapper Drake and pop superstars Beyonce and Taylor Swift also are in the running for artist of the year.
(Reporting by Danielle Broadway in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Stephen Coates)
