One Direction pulled off a big upset at the American Music Awards on Sunday night, defending their title as Artist of the Year against heavily favored Taylor Swift, who had never lost the category before when nominated. The British boy band also prevailed as Favorite Pop/Rock Duo or Group for the third year in a row.
American Music Awards 2015: Complete list of winners
Justin Bieber handed Swift another upset. “Where Are U Now,” his single with Skrillex and Diplo, won Collaboration of the Year against Swift’s “Bad Blood.”
Still more bad news for Swift: Ariana Grande defeated her for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist.
But it wasn’t a total loss for Swift. She may have lost her three telecast categories, but she still picked up three wins off-screen: Song of the Year (“Blank Space“), Pop/Rock Album (“1989“) and Adult Contemporary Artist.
The Weeknd claimed two prizes during the telecast: Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Album (“Beauty Behind the Madness“). But though he was also favored to take New Artist of the Year, he was upset in that race by country breakout Sam Hunt.
Hunt was also up for Favorite Country Male Artist, but the night’s other country awards went to repeat winners. Luke Bryan won Country Male for the fourth year in a row, while Florida Georgia Line won their second straight Country Duo or Group title and Carrie Underwood was Favorite Country Female for the third time. Florida Georgia Line also claimed Favorite Country Album (“Anything Goes“).
Ed Sheeran entered the awards with five nominations, and he didn’t go away empty handed. He was awarded Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist.
Nicki Minaj took the prize for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist for the third time, as well as Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album (“The Pinkprint“).
Fall Out Boy were first-timers, though, named Favorite Alternative Rock Artist for the first time.
“Pitch Perfect 2” edged out “Empire” and “Fifty Shades of Grey” to take Favorite Soundtrack.
Other winners included Rihanna (Soul/R&B Female Artist), Calvin Harris (Electronic Dance Music Artist), Enrique Iglesias (Latin Artist) and Casting Crowns (Contemporary Inspirational Artist).
One Direction photo credit: Buckner/Variety/REX
