The Weeknd kicked off the 2020 American Music Awards in fine form as he earned the first win of the night in the Soul/R&B Album category.
The 30-year-old Canadian crooner – real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye – was given the honor for his critically acclaimed album, After Hours, at the award show which took place at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater on Sunday night.
The music gala – which is considered to be one of the biggest in the industry – took place in front of a limited audience ‘in small groups, from the same families’ with several safety cautions taken including testing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ouch: The Weeknd kicked off the 2020 American Music Awards in fine form as he earned the first win of the night in the Soul/R&B Album category
As the Weeknd – who was presented the award by Ciara – had previously received the award from Prince, he dedicated the win to the late legendary musician.
He said: ‘Thank you. Wow. Last time I received this award, it was given to me by the late, great prince. And, you know, he’s the reason I get to constantly challenge the genre of r&b. And, yeah, I’d like to dedicate this award to him. Thank you.’
Viewers may be confused by the singer’s appearance as his head was completely wrapped in bandage, however, it has all been part of the character he has played throughout the visuals which have accompanied his recent music including music videos and award show performances.
In fact just 20 minutes later, he hit the streets of downtown Los Angeles to perform a medley of his After Hour hits including In Your Eyes and Save Your Tears.
Despite rising COVID-19 numbers rising across the country, there was a limited audience in attendance as organizers for the award show have taken several precautions to make it as safe an event as possible
Host Taraji P. Henson acknowledged the audience at the beginning of the show as she said: ‘Wait, do you hear that? That glorious — yes. That’s the glorious sound of alive in the house applause. Yes, we have some special guests here tonight. We invited them in small groups, from the same families.
‘They’re all here, socially distanced, wearing masks, COVID tested. Yes, we’re very responsible. And like everyone else here, just happy to be out of the house. So let me hear it. Oh, humans, humans. Y’all look so good up there, yes, kings and queens.’
A Dick Clark Productions spokesperson told Rolling Stone on Saturday: ‘We have rigorous Covid-19 safety guidelines and protocols in place — approved by the unions and with guidance from L.A. County Department of Public Health — that are beyond what is required.’
Anyone who is entering the venue was tested in advanced and will continue to be tested throughout the production until wrap.
Facial coverings were also required for anyone not on stage inside of the venue with the one exception being background dancers who will also be required to wear masks.
The production spokesperson told the music publication: ‘Everyone inside our footprint, with the exception of artists on stage who are singing or speaking, will be wearing facial coverings and maintain social distancing at all times.
‘When artists are not on stage singing, presenting, or accepting an award, they will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, we disinfect our set every evening and in between performances during pre-production, rehearsals and in the live show.’
Hosted by Taraji P. Henson, the
Though the pandemic has made it a unique year, the Empire star promised everyone an ‘electrifying night of music’ with the awards.
Planned performances from Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, The Weeknd and Billie Eilish are already generating buzz.
The Canadian crooner will be back at the AMAs for the first time in four-years, set to woo the crowd with a medley of songs, including “Holy” and “Lonely” with special guest Benny Blanco,
Smile singer Perry will mark 10-years since her first appearance on the show.
Meanwhile, Blinding Lights artist The Weeknd’s track Save Your Tears will get its television debut with the help of saxophonist Kenny G.
Billie Eilish will also give her premiere performance of Therefore I Am.
Other artists include Bebe Rexha & Doja Cat, Dan + Shay, Lewis Capaldi, Machine Gun Kelly, Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, BTS, Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez & Maluma, Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, Nelly, Shawn Mendes and Bell Biv DeVoe.
In addition to his performance, The Weeknd will be competing in eight categories, tied with Roddy Ricch for the most nominations.
Megan Thee Stallion was able to earn five while Bieber, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Bad Bunny and DaBaby each received four nominations.
Swift already holds the record of most AMAs, with 29, so scoring any more would assure she keeps that top spot.
The 2020 AMAs will air live on ABC on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT