The 47th annual American Music Awards celebrates all genres of music and the notable acts of the year, but the 2019 show had an extra drip to it: melanin.
From the host Ciara to musical performances and fashion, here are five times melanin showed up and showed out.
1. Ciara “Melanin”
“Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate.” ATL’s own CiCi took us to the playground with her “Melanin” show-opening performance.
With the melody of the song being reminiscent of double-dutch days, to seeing Black girl magic on the seesaw, and her homegirl Lala spitting a cute bar, it was Black moment after Black moment for three minutes.
2. Toni Braxton “Un-break My Heart”
The living legend Toni Braxton flashed back to 1996 when she performed “Un-break My Heart” in a stunning white dress. One thing we know for sure, Toni’s voice has only gotten better with age, just like her looks.
3. Lizzo “Jerome”
“Shine bright and let they a** know!” Lizzo is the epitome of Black girl magic and her presence at the AMAs was nothing short of glorious. From the big hair, big voice, big empowerment vibe, and performing a song titled “Jerome,” this was definitely one of the blackest moments of the show.
4. Megan Thee Stallion Wows in Hot Girl Approved Red Dress
Not to be forgotten, Megan Thee Stallion sizzled on the red carpet. Anytime the “Hot Girl Summer” rapper shows up and out it’s definitely for the culture, and that’s exactly what she did in a sparkly red gown.
5. Lil Nas X And Billy Porter
“Pose” actor and Met Gala icon Billy Porter served his Sunday best in a Thom Browne cape-jacket and matching gown. His headpiece gave us all flashbacks to the flyest church mothers sitting in the first pew.
There’s no way you could miss Lil Nas X in his bright lime green Bishop Don Juan-esque suit and zebra print top.
