Everything to Know About the 2021 American Music Awards: Nominees and More

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Everything to Know About the 2021 American Music Awards: Nominees and More

Good for her! The 2021 American Music Awards are quickly approaching — and Olivia Rodrigo is expected to win big. Nominations were announced in October, with the 18-year-old "Brutal" songstress raking in the most nominations of any other artist. Rodrigo has a total of seven chances to take home a trophy, including Favorite Female Pop Artist and New Artist of the Year. The Disney star could potentially break a major AMAs record should she secure five wins out of her seven nominations. It would be the most wins in one night for a first-time nominee, beating out Olivia Newton-John and Justin Bieber, who each have four. However, Rodrigo has a long way to go before she reaches Taylor Swift's career record of 32 AMAs trophies. The "Cardigan" singer, 31, virtually accepted her awards for Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock, Favorite Music Video and Artist of the Year during the November 2020 ceremony. [jwplayer vSchJuyH-zhNYySv2] "Thank you so much for this. This is a fan-voted award, which means so much to me," Swift said in her speech at the time. "You guys have been beyond wonderful all the years of my career but especially this one when we've been so far apart. We haven't been able to see each other in concert, but I still feel really connected to you through the music, your reaction to Folklore and all the ways in which your imagination honored that album. I just love you so much, and I'm really, really lucky because of you." Rodrigo has previously listed the country songwriter as one of her biggest inspirations — and even gave Swift a writing credit on "1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back." The California native explained how she ended up "borrowing" a bit of the Cats actress' work during an interview on The Zach Sang Show. "We interpolated 'New Year's Day,' which is Taylor's song from Reputation," Rodrigo explained in June. "I came up with the '1 Step Forward' concept, and I sort of wrote a verse and a chorus… I was in the car on a road trip, and when I got home, I decided to sing it over the chords of 'New Year's Day.' I think they're really beautiful chords. I was lucky enough to get that approved, and it's on the record now." Rodrigo released her debut album, Sour, in May. Along with her several AMAs nods, the Bizaardvark alum has earned nominations at the MTV Europe Music Awards, People's Choice Awards and won three MTV Video Music Awards. Scroll down for everything to know about the 2021 American Music Awards: [podcast_block]

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When Are They?

The awards are taking place on Sunday, November 21, at 8 p.m. ET at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Fans can watch on ABC.

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Who's Nominated?

Rodrigo earned the most nods with a total of seven. She's joined by Swift, Ariana Grande, BTS, Drake and The Weeknd in the running for Artist of the Year.

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New Categories

There are three new categories, including Favorite Trending Song, Favorite Gospel Artist and Favorite Latin Duo or Group. Rodrigo and Megan Thee Stallion are up for awards in the trending category, while Kanye West is in the running for the gospel trophy.

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Controversial Artists

Morgan Wallen, who was caught on camera using the N-word in February, has been banned from the event despite earning two nominations "based on charting," per the production company behind the show. "We plan to evaluate his progress in doing meaningful work as an ally to the Black community and will consider his participation in future shows," MRC Live & Alternative noted in a statement, adding that Wallen will not appear "in any capacity."

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The Host

Cardi B will be the master of this year’s ceremonies. “When I received the invite to host the AMAs, I was so excited,” she said in a statement about making her hosting debut. “I’m ready to bring my personality to the AMAs stage.”

The rapper is nominated for three AMAs including Favorite Video for “Up.”

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Megan Thee Stallion and BTS Collab

The K-pop group, who won Favorite Duo/Group Pop/Rock at last year's ceremony, will perform their hit song "Butter." Megan Thee Stallion will join the men for the remix.

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A Last-Minute Cancellation

“Hotties I was so excited to go to the @AMAs and perform with @BTS_official, but due to an unexpected personal matter, I can no longer attend, I’m so sad,” Megan Thee Stallion, who was scheduled to perform alongside BTS, tweeted on Saturday, November 20. “I really can’t wait to hit the stage with my guys and perform #BTS_Butter real soon!”