2013 AMA Performances

Xtina teamed up with the duo A Great Big World to perform an emotionally charged performance of “Say Something,” which immediately shot to the top of charts when the single debuted.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE3o3Z7rjP8

It was easy to understand why Ariana won the title of Best New Artist after seeing this stripped down performance of “Tattooed Heart.” Her powerful performance reminds us of a young Mariah Carey or Christina Aguilera!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPWr2U6VXxQ

Florida Georgia Line and Nelly teamed up to perform “Cruise,” which went on to win the Single of the Year at the AMAs. However, the real highlight of the performance was when they segued into Nelly’s classic “Ride Wit Me.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKQVwGQnqpE

Imagine Dragons may be newcomers to the AMA game, but they were more than ready to play in the big leagues! They totally nailed it with this performance of “Radioactive”—which took the meaning of the song to heart!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvNaOBAIOg4

In this colorful, action-filled tribute to the legendary Celia Cruz showed just amazingly talented Jennifer Lopez truly is! Even at 44 years old—it’s safe to say that J Lo put on one of the most fun and most impressive performances of the night!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzcjO2cwtRw

While Katy’s opening number—a performance of “Unconditionally” while dressed as a Geisha—has already caught some flack for being disrespectful to Japanese culture. However, don’t let the criticism distract you from the beautiful performance of her song about her beau John Mayer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hxtfvt5a2M

Kendrick—who was nominated for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album—still came out a winner with this performance of “Swimming Pools.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6_DMxjsJvQ

Pitbull, who hosted this year’s show, performed alongside Ke$ha to put on one of the most fun performances of the night when they teamed up for their single, “Timber” off Pitbull’s latest EP Global Warming Meltdown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENZNSoAP7dQ

Lady Gaga explained that she was doing “an American performance” for the American Music Awards… but this performance of “Do What U Want” kind of felt like we were invading Gaga and R. Kelly’s role playing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmhw7sFwhjo

Luke Bryan won Favorite Male Country Star… and after watching this performance, it’s easy to understand why!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p4HOCX4MAw

All the way from Miami, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis proved that literally nothing can hold them! In addition to performing, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis beat Jay Z and Kendrick Lamar to win Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop album!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuPpGfeZ21k

Miley Cyrus toned it down for this performance—although she was still bein’ Miley! Instead of teddy bears, the new 21-year-old songstress performed “Wrecking Ball” along with a lip-synching cat. Definitely weird, but definitely worth a watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t9_ygb0LU8

In typical 1D fashion, everyone’s favorite boys rocked the house with their latest single “Story of My Life.” While the song is slower than what most expect from the pop-centric boy band, the boys totally killed it live and it’s worth taking a listen to… you may just find that you’re a directioner!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc4KNY1-ixg

Before her mom came on the stage to honor RiRi with the first ever Icon Award, Rihanna showed us what the meaning of an Icon is with this powerful performance of “Diamonds.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h6Mufvmgs0

While we agree that no one can replace Lisa ‘Left-Eye’ Lopez, it was amazing to see Chilli and T-Boz take the stage to perform “Water Falls.” Additionally, Lil Mama totally nailed her part, and the photo tribute to their fallen sister was touching.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3kcEGavnoQ