This past Sunday, November 23, 2014, was the 49^th annual American Music Awards hosted by Pitbull. There were many amazing performers such as Ariana Grande, 5 Seconds of Summer, and One Direction. With 22 awards given out, only the most incredible stars went home with one.

The AMAs started off with the red carpet on E! Network with hosts Giuliana Rancic and Terrance Jenkins interviewing the most talked about celebrities. When interviewed, they were asked whom they were wearing and what they could expect from them during this show.

Taylor Swift kicked off the show at eight pm eastern time, singing her latest single “Blank Space.” Shorty after that, One Direction took the first award given out for Favorite Pop/Rock Band. This resulted in the famous group hug and a great speech from Liam Payne, 21, and Louis Tomlinson, 22. One Direction also performed their new single “Night Changes” from their new album FOUR. With their amazing vocals and good looks, they’re heart throbs for teens across the globe.

Later in the night singer/songwriter Lorde performed her song “Yellow Flicker Beat” from the Hunger Games Mocking Jay: Part 1 Soundtrack. She put an iconic ending to this performance by taking her lipstick and smearing it showing rebellion.

On the rise, Pop Punk band 5 Seconds of Summer smashed it with their cover of the popular 80’s song “What I Like About You.” This band is being compared to Green Day and is definitely living up to everyone’s expectations. 5 Seconds of Summer went home with their first American Music Award for New Artist of the Year where they ran against artists such as Iggy Azalea, Sam Smith, Bastille, and Meghan Trainor.

With the hit single “Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, and Ariana Grande, the arena was alive and jamming along to the beat. The cameraman showed Taylor Swift dancing along, taking up the tradition of her cute dance moves in the audience but Jessie J joined her this time. Ariana Grande also performed a medley of a few of her songs featuring The Weeknd.

Sam Smith, an artist on the rise this year went home with the Favorite Male Artist for Pop/Rock award. He also performed his song “I’m Not the Only One,” which sounded incredible.

The most anticipated moment was saved for last. The nominees for the Artist of the Year were Iggy Azalea, Beyoncé, Luke Bryan, Eminem, Imagine Dragons, John Legend, Lorde, One Direction, Katy Perry, and Pharrell Williams. With their recent global success, it wasn’t a surprise that One Direction won. They have just gotten off their worldwide stadium tour and announced tour dates for next year’s stadium tour called On The Road Again. One Direction has beaten many records and will go down in history books. They absolutely deserved this Artist of the Year award one hundred percent.