Property of Dick Clark Productions
Last night’s American Music Awards had 17 performances which included eight different collaborations. When it came to performances there were eight that stood out to the author that received an “A” rating. In order to receive an “A” rating, artists had to pull some risks which included revising the song, transporting the viewer from the NOKIA Theatre to another area and adding surprising elements that could have missed but turned into a success.
Here are the six acts that received jacobelyacharjournalist.com’s “A” rating.
1. Mr. Know it All (Kelly Clarkson)-A+
The original American Idol performed an incredible number by jazzing up her first single off her fourth album. Clarkson transformed viewers back to the Big Band era as she portrayed a starlet trying to fight back the dancing paparazzi. The arrangement was incredible and delivered a master-class performance.
2. The One That Got Away (Katy Perry)-A+
This is a first time that this author has seen Katy Perry perform with a guitar. Perry channeled June Carter Cash and Lucille Ball perfectly while singing an acoustic version of the haunting “The One That Got Away.” The performance featured great harmonies from Perry and the background singers plus incredible staging. This was an impeccable performance by Perry that earned a standing ovation.
3. Mr. Wrong (Mary J. Blige)-A
Mary J. Blige is an incredible singer. She rounded out the Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time in the November 27, 2008 issue and this performance is one of the reasons why she made this list. Her strong vocals combined with smooth vocals and her showmanship is the reason why Blige made the cut for an “A” rating.
4. I Like How It Feels/ Tonight (Enrique Iglesias with Ludacris)-A
When viewers heard the words: “choir” and “Enrique Iglesias” together, it leads to a lot of head scratching. But Iglesias and the choir killed this performance of “I Like How It Feels.” Another reason why this performance received an “A” rating is that Iglesias utilized the choir for his two songs and also balanced Ludacris’ cameo at the same time. This high-energy performance was incredible from start-to-finish.
5. If I Die Young (The Band Perry)-A
What this author has learned about watching music award show performances is that do not under-estimate viewers have never heard of before because they might surprise you. The Band Perry did that with a superb performance that transported the NOKIA Theatre audience to the Grand Ole Opry. From Kimberly Perry’s powerful vocals to incredible harmonization in the chorus, this performance gave viewers chills.
6. Turn Me On/Super Bass (Nicki Minaj and David Guetta)- A-
This was a huge night to Nicki Minaj as she scored two American Music Awards for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album. But before she won those awards, Minaj rocked out the AMAs with European Superstar DJ David Guetta and performed “Turn Me On” and “Super Bass.” From Minaj’s impeccable ability to go from singer to rapper to the incredible visuals that accompanied the performance, both of the artists delivered an incredible opening to the show.
I do not own all of these clips, these are properties of Dick Clark Productions.
