The belle of the AMAs! Ariana Grande stole the show at the 2013 American Music Awards in L.A. on Sunday, Nov. 24. The 20-year-old singer and Nickelodeon star looked amazing in a sexy red dress, gave an unforgettable performance and took home the coveted New Artist of the Year award. Watch her adorable acceptance speech here.
Grande walked the red carpet and performed her song “Tattooed Heart” onstage in a stunning strapless red Dolce & Gabbana dress covered in sequins. The singer — some have likened her to a young Mariah Carey — showed off her amazing vocal power during the show by kicking off her performance with an a cappella version of breakout hit “The Way,” before leading into the ballad.
After the act, singer Lady Gaga was spotted by the camera giving Grande a standing ovation, which promoted others to follow suit. Watching the AMAs from home, Kelly Clarkson, who recently announced she is expecting her first child, shared her praise for Grande on Twitter. “Saw a clip of @ArianaGrande singing on the AMA’s,” she wrote. “That’s how it’s done ladies and gentlemen.”
And that wasn’t her only triumph during the show. Grande beat out fellow newcomers Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis, Florida Georgia Line, Imagine Dragons and Phillip Phillips for the New Artist of the Year award. While accepting the trophy, the Sam & Cat actress gave an adorable speech — prepared by her mother.
“Oh my God I’m so nervous. Thank you so much,” she said. “This is for my fans. I have the most loving, supportive fans in the world and I love them so much . . . And I’m so nervous! My mom made me this thing and I have it in here so I don’t forget anybody,” Grande explained while reaching into her bra and pulling out a piece of paper. “Thank you to the AMAs for nominating me . . . Okay, I have ten seconds. Oh my God I have nine seconds, that’s intimidating!” she exclaimed before rattling off the prepared list of people to thank at warp speed.
After the show, Grande also took to Twitter later that night to thank her fans again after her big win.
“That was the most nerve wracking thing ever and I haven’t had access to my phone all day but hi y’allllll love u I’m so nervous! u watching?” the Florida native tweeted. “Oh gawd I haven’t had my phone all night but thank you thank you thank you, such an exciting night & I owe it to u all.” Still in shock, she added later, “Dude . . . tonight was the coolest. Can’t get over it. Thank you again #AMAs and my precious precious fans wtf ily.”
Tell Us: What did you think of Grande’s performance? Did she deserve to win the New Artist of the Year award?
