• Robert Downey Jr presents the award of merit to Sting at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    Robert Downey Jr presents the award of merit to Sting at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • Sting performs a medley at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    Sting performs a medley at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • Tyka Nelson accepts the award for top soundtrack for Purple Rain on behalf of her brother Prince at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    Tyka Nelson accepts the award for top soundtrack for Purple Rain on behalf of her brother Prince at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • Zayn Malik accepts the award for new artist of the year at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    Zayn Malik accepts the award for new artist of the year at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard, of Florida Georgia Line, accept the award for favorite country duo/group at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
    Brian Kelley, left, and Tyler Hubbard, of Florida Georgia Line, accept the award for favorite country duo/group at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
  • Selena Gomez accept the award favorite female artist pop/rock at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
    Selena Gomez accept the award favorite female artist pop/rock at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
  • John Legend performs Love Me Now at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    John Legend performs Love Me Now at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • Alex Pall, left, and Andrew Taggart, of The Chainsmokers, accept the award for favorite artist - electronic dance music at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    Alex Pall, left, and Andrew Taggart, of The Chainsmokers, accept the award for favorite artist - electronic dance music at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • Bruno Mars, center, performs 24K Magic at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    Bruno Mars, center, performs 24K Magic at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • James Bay performs Let It Go at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    James Bay performs Let It Go at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • Host Gigi Hadid impersonates Melania Trump at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    Host Gigi Hadid impersonates Melania Trump at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • Shawn Mendes performs Mercy at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    Shawn Mendes performs Mercy at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • John Legend performs Love Me Now at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    John Legend performs Love Me Now at the American Music Awards. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
  • Billie Joe Armstrong, of Green Day, performs Bang Bang at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP
    Billie Joe Armstrong, of Green Day, performs Bang Bang at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Matt Sayles / Invision / AP

Highlights from the 2016 American Music Awards – in pictures


Evelyn Lau
  • English
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Drake and Justin Bieber were the big award winners of the night, each taking home four awards while Sting was given the American Music Award of Merit. Here’s a look at other highlights from the big event.