Predicting the 2020 American Music Awards winners

Nominees:

• Justin Bieber
• Post Malone
• Roddy Ricch
• Taylor Swift
• The Weeknd

Winner: Taylor Swift

To some, it may be hard to believe that Taylor Swift dropped her first album nearly 15 years ago. Well, Swift’s 2020 album “Folklore” marked her eighth studio album, a project that went double-platinum within its first week of release. On top of the insane album sales, Swift is known for using her platform to weigh in on political matters, which was important during a presidential election year. Not only does Swift hold the record for most nominated in this category, she has also won the coveted award five times. 

Nominees:

• Lewis Capaldi
• Doja Cat
• DaBaby
• Lil Baby
• Roddy Ricch
• Megan Thee Stallion

Winner: Lil Baby

Since Lil Baby came onto the scene in 2018, he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. Over the past year, he released his sophomore album "My Turn" and also collaborated with artists including DaBaby, Rick Ross, Monica, and Mariah the Scientist. During the George Floyd protests in June, he released his political song "The Bigger Picture," his highest-charting single to date. 

Nominees:

• Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”
• DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch, “Rockstar”
• Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours”
• Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande, “Rain On Me”
• Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé, “Savage Remix”

Winner: Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”

There is no doubt that female MCs have been running the hip-hop game over the last few years, so it was only proper for two of the biggest artists to collaborate on a song. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion teamed up on “WAP,” an anthem and video that beams about women, sensuality, and sexuality.

Nominees:

• BTS
• Billie Eilish
• EXO
• Ariana Grande
• NCT 127

Winner: BTS

K-Pop fans are known for uniting by the masses on social media. Many artists use social media, however BTS has developed quite the super digital strategy when it comes to interacting with fans. Besides posting selfies, the groups also streams live broadcasts, host online shows, and post updates through a fan-exclusive website.

Nominees:

• Doja Cat, “Say So”
• Future ft. Drake, “Life Is Good”
• Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, “Rain On Me”
• Taylor Swift, “cardigan”
• The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”

Winner: Doja Cat, “Say So”

Rising star Doja Cat uses inspiration from the ‘70s in her fun and flirtatious “Say So” video. Doja showcases her retro style filled with mini dresses and nights out on the town in full disco garb.

Nominees:

• Justin Bieber
• Post Malone
• The Weeknd

Winner: Post Malone

Although Post Malone released his recent album “Hollywood’s Bleeding” in September 2019, he’s spent the last year being featured alongside other artists. Fans heard Post Malone contributing to albums by Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign, Justin Bieber, Ozzy Osbourne, and Tiesto.

Nominees:

• Dua Lipa
• Lady Gaga
• Taylor Swift

Winner: Dua Lipa

After winning awards across new artist and breakthrough categories, fans typically want to see if said artists can live up to the hype. So far, Dua Lipa isn’t showing no signs of slowing down. She released her second studio album “Future Nostalgia” in early 2020 and earned rave reviews due to her hit song, “Don’t Start Now.”

Nominees:

• BTS
• Jonas Brothers
• Maroon 5

Winner: Jonas Brothers

Fans were excited when the Jonas Brothers decided to reunite on their 2019 album “Happiness Begins.” They continued to drop new music throughout this year including singles like “What a Man Gotta Do” and “Five More Minutes.”

Nominees:

• Harry Styles, “Fine Line”
• Taylor Swift, “folklore”
• The Weeknd, “After Hours”

Winner: Harry Styles, “Fine Line”

Towards the end of 2019, Harry Styles released his highly-anticipated sophomore album “Fine Line.” Fans can count on Styles to give songs about love, relationships, and breakups—themes that are evident on songs like “Watermelon Sugar” and “Adore You.”

Nominees:

• Lewis Capaldi, “Someone You Loved”
• Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now”
• Post Malone, “Circles”
• Roddy Ricch, “The Box”
• The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”

Winner: The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”

After a two-year album hiatus, The Weeknd returned with his latest album “After Hours.” One of the album’s standout singles “Blinding Lights” earned The Weeknd his first number one hit on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. The song also topped Billboard’s Pop Songs and Adult Pop Songs charts. There is no doubt that the Weeknd knows how to make a radio favorite.

Nominees:

• Kane Brown
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen

Winner: Kane Brown

Kane Brown has been a rising star on the country charts since his debut album in 2017. Although Brown is typically known for collaborating with fellow country and pop stars, his latest EP “Mixtape, Vol. 1” features R&B and hip-hop stars such as Swae Lee and John Legend. His single, “Be Like That” became a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Nominees:

• Gabby Barrett
• Miranda Lambert
• Maren Morris

Winner: Gabby Barrett

Gabby Barrett has been a beam of light in the country world since finishing third as a contestant on American Idol. Barrett’s 2019 debut hit single, “I Hope” peaked on a number of Billboard country charts. She then released her debut album “Goldmine” which racked up over 15 million streams during its first week.

Nominees:

• Dan + Shay
• Florida Georgia Line
• Old Dominion

Winner: Dan + Shay

This isn’t the first AMA nomination for Dan + Shay. The country duo was previously up for this same category back in 2018, along with Favorite Country Song for their hit single, “Tequila.” One of their newest hit songs "10,000 Hours" is a sweet collaboration with pop singer Justin Bieber.

Nominees:

• Luke Combs, “What You See Is What You Get”
• Blake Shelton, “Fully Loaded: God’s Country”
• Morgan Wallen, “If I Know Me”

Winner: Luke Combs, “What You See Is What You Get”

Country star Luke Combs scored a number one hit with his sophomore album, “What You See Is What You Get.” After releasing the album in 2019, it peaked on the Billboard 200 chart, and then returned to top the chart with a recent release of a deluxe version. Combs is well on his way to making a statement in the country world.

Nominees:

• Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours”
• Maren Morris, “The Bones”
• Blake Shelton (Duet with Gwen Stefani), “Nobody But You”

Winner: Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours”

One thing that is sweet about country music, artists can collaborate with singers from different genres and it’s typically a match made in heaven. Case in point when country duo Dan + Shay teamed up with Justin Bieber on their hit single, “10,000 Hours,” a love song that is sure to be played at weddings to come.

Nominees:

• DaBaby
• Juice WRLD
• Roddy Ricch

Winner: DaBaby

Just seven months after his last studio album, DaBaby released his third LP, “Blame It On Baby.” The album featured singles such as “Find My Way” and the Roddy Ricch assisted-hit, “Rockstar.” In addition to his solo success, he also dropped a few features on albums by Future, Moneybagg Yo, Saweetie, and the late Pop Smoke.

Nominees:

• Cardi B
• Nicki Minaj
• Megan Thee Stallion

Winner: Megan Thee Stallion

In 2020, Megan Thee Stallion released her EP “Suga” that featured her hit single, “Savage.” Not only did she add fellow Houston native Beyonce to the remix, but she also took this year to team up with fellow rapper Cardi B on their hit collaboration “WAP.” Megan is set to release her highly-anticipated album “Good News” on November 20.

Nominees:

• Lil Baby, “My Turn”
• Lil Uzi Vert, “Eternal Atake”
• Roddy Ricch, “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial”

Winner: Roddy Ricch, “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial”

After earning praise for his collaborations with artists such as Nipsey Hussle and Mustard, Roddy Ricch released his debut album “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial” to rave reviews. The album’s hit single, “The Box” was the number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 weeks. His second single “High Fashion” also reached the chart’s top 20.

Nominees:

• Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”
• DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch, “Rockstar”
• Roddy Ricch, “The Box”

Winner: DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch, “Rockstar”

DaBaby and Roddy Ricch both had a monstrous 2019, so the two rising rappers coming together was a perfect combination. “Rockstar” is the second single from DaBaby’s album “Blame It on Baby” and it spent nearly two months on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Nominees:

• Chris Brown
• John Legend
• The Weeknd

Winner: Chris Brown

In 2019, Chris Brown released his ninth studio album “Indigo” and then he followed up with a joint mixtape “Slime & B” alongside Young Thug. The mixtape’s lead single, “Go Crazy” became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. While Brown is currently working on his next studio album, throughout this year he’s collaborated with artists such as Summer Walker, Jacquees, and T-Pain.

Nominees:

• Jhene Aiko
• Doja Cat
• Summer Walker

Winner: Jhene Aiko

After a three-year hiatus since her last studio project, Jhene Aiko released her third album, “Chilombo” that featured singles such as “None of Your Concern,” and “Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E.).” In addition to her solo album, she has collaborated with artists like Kehlani, Ty Dolla $ign, Big Sean, and Phora.  

Nominees:

• Doja Cat, “Hot Pink”
• Summer Walker, “Over It”
• The Weeknd, “After Hours”

Winner: Summer Walker, “Over It”

After releasing her first EP, “Last Day of Summer” in 2018, Summer Walker’s debut album was highly-anticipated. She released her debut album “Over It” in October 2019, with most of the album being produced by her boyfriend London On Da Track. The album featured collaborations with Jhene Aiko, Bryson Tiller, 6LACK, and the Usher-assisted single, “Come Thru.”

Nominees:

• Chris Brown ft. Drake, “No Guidance”
• Summer Walker, “Playing Games”
• The Weeknd, “Heartless”

Winner: Chris Brown ft. Drake, “No Guidance”

Over the years, Chris Brown and Drake had a couple of feuds, but in 2019, it seems like the two put the past behind them when they dropped their hit collaboration, “No Guidance.” The video garnered rave reviews as Drake and Chris Brown faced each other in a dance battle, Brown showcased his dance moves while Drizzy displayed his acting chops.

Nominees:

• Bad Bunny
• J Balvin
• Ozuna

Winner: Ozuna

Over the past few years, Ozuna has helped popularize the rise of reggaeton and Latin trap music. Even if he’s collaborating with some of the hottest artists in the game like fellow nominees Bad Bunny and J Balvin, or other artists like Cardi B and Daddy Yankee, Ozuna proves to be a standout in the game. In 2019, he became the most-watched artist on YouTube and continues to break records in the industry.

Nominees:

• Becky G
• KAROL G
• Rosalía

Winner: Rosalía

Rosalía is a rising star putting her mark on the industry by mixing Flamenco with reggaeton. Since the release of her hit song “Malamente” in 2018, she’s been on many artists to watch lists. Coming off the success of her "El Mal Querer" album, fans are eager for Rosalía's next LP.

Nominees:

• Anuel AA, ”Emmanuel”
• Bad Bunny, “Las que no iban a salir”
• Bad Bunny, “YHLQMDLG”

Winner: Bad Bunny, “YHLQMDLG”

The rise of reggaeton and Latin trap also must give credit to Bad Bunny. His second album “YHLQMDLG” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 200 and became the highest-charting Spanish album in chart history. The album features songs with some of his frequent collaborators such as Daddy Yankee and Anuel AA.

Nominees:

• Bad Bunny, “Vete”
• Black Eyed Peas X J Balvin, “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)”
• KAROL G & Nicki Minaj “Tusa”

Winner: KAROL G & Nicki Minaj “Tusa”

In recent years, Nicki Minaj has slowed down her gift of slaying a feature for other artists, but working with KAROL G on “Tusa” became a sweet women empowerment anthem. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay charts.

Nominees:

• Billie Eilish
• Tame Impala
• twenty one pilots

Winner: Billie Eilish

18-year-old Billie Eilish keeps breaking records and defying genres since her 2019 debut album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go.” The album spawned hit singles such as “Bad Buy” and “All The Good Girls Go to Hell.” She doesn’t necessarily fit into one genre, she can be a sweet mixture of alternative rock or emo pop at times.

Nominees: 

• Lewis Capaldi
• Jonas Brothers
• Maroon 5

Winner: Lewis Capaldi

Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi has been on the rise since the release of his 2019 debut album “Divinely Uninspired To a Hellish Extent.” With hit singles such as “Someone You Loved” and “Hold Me While You Wait,” the album reached number one on the UK Albums chart. Whether Capaldi is singing about heartache or opening for artists like Bastille and Sam Smith, the rising star is ready to make his mark in the industry.

Nominees:

• Lauren Daigle
• for KING & COUNTRY
• Kanye West

Winner: Kanye West

Back in 2019, Kanye West formed his Sunday Service Choir, in which he and the group would perform classic gospel songs and covers of Ye’s discography. Kanye continued his gospel flair on his album “Jesus Is King” which featured artists such as Kenny G, Ant Clemons, Ty Dolla $ign, and Fred Hammond.

Nominees:

• Kygo
• Lady Gaga
• Marshmello

Winner: Marshmello

If there’s one DJ that knows how to get the party started, fans can never go wrong with Marshmello. Over the past year, he released his third studio album "Joytime III," and worked on collaborations with artists such as Halsey and the late Juice Wrld.

Nominees:

• "Birds of Prey: The Album"
• "Frozen II"
• "Trolls: World Tour"

Winner: "Trolls: World Tour"

Pop star Justin Timberlake reprised his voice role as Branch in the “Trolls” sequel as well as primarily producing the film’s soundtrack. Besides Timberlake, the album also features songs by SZA, Anderson .Paak, Mary J. Blige, Haim, and George Clinton. The soundtrack became a top 20 hit on the Billboard 200 chart.