Canadians among big winners at American Music Awards

 

The Weeknd

Justin Bieber and The Weeknd (Abel Makkonen Tesfaye),  two of Canada’s most successful and post popular musical stars, were among the biggest winners at the 2020 American Music Awards on Nov. 22.

Justin’s track with Dan + Shay, “10,000 Hours,” picked up the Collaboration of the Year and Favourite Song – Country awards, while the superstar was named favourite male pop/rock artist.

Meanwhile, The Weeknd’s incredible 2020 continued, as he picked up the favourite soul/R&B artist award, along with trophies for Favourite Album – Soul/R&B (After Hours) and Favourite Song – Soul/R&B (“Heartless”).

Both Justin and The Weeknd were on hand to perform at the event. Justin opened the show with two of his own hits and then was joined by fellow Canadian Shawn Mendes to run through their new single “Monster,” which was just released. Justin later took the stage with Dan + Shay to do a rendition of the trio’s top 10 hit.

The Weeknd also performed, surprising everyone as he showed up with a fully bandaged face, leading some to wonder if he’d been injured. In actuality, the bandages were part of the act. Earlier this year, he took the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards with a bandaged nose and fake bruises and cuts on his face. The “injuries” are part of an anti-drunk driving message that he says is behind hit single “Blinding Lights.”

Megastar Taylor Swift was named Artist of the Year, Favourite Female Artist – Pop/Rock and picked up the Favourite Music Video award for her “Cardigan.” South Korea pop sensations BTS won the Favourite Duo or Group trophy. They joined the show digitally from their home country.