L.A.'s Nokia Theatre was the place to be on Sunday, Nov. 24. Music's biggest and brightest stars came together to honor one another at the 2013 American Music Awards, hosted by Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull.
In addition to the actual awards, the night featured several performances by artists including Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, One Direction, Christina Aguilera, and Miley Cyrus, who closed out the show with an out-of-this-world rendition of her hit song "Wrecking Ball."
Here's a look at some of the most memorable moments and hottest highlights from the big event:
1. Miley Cyrus Performs "Wrecking Ball" With a Giant Lip-Synching Cat in Space
Just when you think she couldn't possibly have any more tricks up her sleeve! Miley Cyrus closed out the 2013 AMAs with a powerful but strange rendition of "Wrecking Ball," featuring a giant hologram of a lip-synching cat floating in space.
2. Rihanna Sings "Diamonds," Accepts First-Ever AMA Icon Award From Mom
After a powerful performance of her hit song "Diamonds," Rihanna was joined onstage by her mom, Monica, who presented the singer with the first-ever AMA Icon Award. "Rihanna, I'm so proud of you," the star's mother began, visibly emotional.
3. TLC Reunites to Perform "Waterfalls" Almost 20 Years After Release of "Crazy Sexy Cool" Album
Some 18 years after "Waterfalls" climbed to the top of the charts, TLC's Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas reunited onstage to perform the song at the AMAs. They were joined by rapper Lil Mama, who filled the void left by the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.
4. Lady Gaga, R. Kelly Get Down on the Oval Office Desk While Performing "Do What U Want"
One week after her memorable stint on Saturday Night Live, Lady Gaga put her acting skills to use once again by role-playing with R. Kelly during a performance of "Do What U Want." Wearing a sparkly leotard and heels, the singer seduced her R&B duet partner with a sexy song-and-dance on a set made to look like the Oval Office of the White House.
5. Katy Perry Opens the AMAs WIth a Japanese-Inspired Performance of "Unconditionally"
Katy Perry started the American Music Awards with a trip to the Far East. Dressed in an ornately decorated kimono, the "Unconditionally" chanteuse sang her way through a Japanese-inspired set, complete with giant fans.
