The American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special aired live from Los Angeles Sunday (Oct. 6). Hosted by legendary singer Smokey Robinson, the two-hour special served as a tribute to the past 50 years and featured show-stopping performances, touching artist interviews, iconic special guests, and exclusive highlights from Dick Clark Production’s archives, highlighting iconic moments that have defined the awards show and shaped pop culture.
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Of course, the show wouldn’t be as dazzling without its myriad of performers, presenters, and special guests. And since you already know how we get down on this side of the internet, let’s take a look at some of our favorite Black stars who showed up and showed out!
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson performed a moving tribute to 22-time AMA winner Whitney Houston singing “I Loves You, Porgy” and “I Will Always Love You.” She was joined by members of Houston’s original band, led by musical director Rickey Minor.
Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight, who performed on the first American Music Awards in 1974 and amassed seven AMAs, returned to the stage 50 years after her debut for an encore performance of her hit song “Midnight Train to Georgia.”
Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan closed out the show by performing her timeless anthem, “I’m Every Woman,” in celebration of 50 years of achievements by women in music.
Cedric the Entertainer
Gracing the stage in a salmon pink suit, comedian and actor Cedric the Entertainer was there as one of the presenters of the night.
Sheila E.
Drummer and singer Sheila E. performed alongside Chaka Khan to close out the show and brought the house down!
Samuel L. Jackson
Along with Cedric the Entertainer, legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson also graced the AMAs stage as a presenter for the evening.
Smokey Robinson
Serving timeless “gasms,” Smokey Robinson showed up in a suave, all-black floral suit as the host for the AMAs.
Mariah Carey
In celebration of the 20th anniversary celebration of “The Emancipation of Mimi,” 10-time AMA winner Mariah Carey performed a pair of hits including “Don’t Forget About Us” and “We Belong Together.”
Nelly
Rapper Nelly paid tribute to hip-hop’s evolution by performing some of his greatest hits such as “Hot in Herre.”
Kane Brown
Country star Kane Brown celebrated the legacy of country music with a performance of classic and current hits including “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” and “Miles On It.”
Nile Rodgers and Chic
Nile Rodgers & CHIC lit up the crowd with their performance of their amazing hits such as “Le Freak” and “Get Lucky.”
Chingy
Performing alongside Nelly, Chingy graced the AMAs stage performing “Right Thurr” as a part of an ode to hip-hop’s past, present and future.
Jordyn Woods
Jordyn Woods dazzled in silver as a guest at the AMAs 50th Anniversary Special.
Murphy Lee
Performing alongside Nelly and Chingy, St. Lunatics member Muprhy Lee ignited the stage with his performance of “Wat da Hook Gon Be” during their ode to hip-hop.
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