Bieber, Shawn Mendes kick off AMAs; Weeknd wins R&B album

Canian-born pop stars Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes kicked off 2020 American Music Awards with a performance of ir new duet “Monster."  singers released track Friday and AMAs, airing Sunday on ABC, marked first time y performed it toger. performance began with a stripped-down Bieber singing his recent hit “Lonely," with songwriter-producer Benny Blanco on pia, and “Holy," where background dancers wearing masks joined him.

Mendes, strumming his guitar, n appeared for “Monster," which featured twentysomethings singing lyrics about about fame and growing up as celebrities who attracted massive public attention.

performance, like a good number of m at AMAs, was recently pre-taped because of coronavirus pandemic. But host Taraji P. Henson, who excitedly danced to a medley of songs, appeared live from Microsoft ater in Los Angeles. She joked that A-list celebrities were in audience, including Beyoncé (a cardboard cut-out of singer appeared in a seat). And ar Canian — Weeknd — is poised to have an all-star night: He's minated for eight prizes and won first televised award — favorite soul/R&B album for “After Hours."

“ last time I received this award it was given to me by late, great Prince. And, you kw, he's reason I get to constantly challenge genre of R&B and yeah, I'd like to dedicate this to him," he said. Later in show, Weeknd and Kenny G will join forces for a rendition of pop star's hit “In Your Eyes." Weeknd will also perform “Save Your Tears.”

show will also include performances by Billie Eilish, BTS, Megan e Stallion, B Bunny, Jennifer Lopez and Maluma, Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, Bebe Rexha with Doja Cat, Dan + Shay, Lewis Capaldi, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Baby, Nelly and Bell Biv DeVoe.  Weeknd and Roddy Ricch — also minated for eight awards — will compete for show's top hor, artist of year. Or minees include Bieber, Taylor Swift and Post Malone.

Megan e Stallion, who released her highly anticipated debut album Friday, scored five minations including a bid for new artist of year. Six artists earned four minations each, including Bieber, Swift, Ly Gaga, B Bunny, DaBaby and Doja Cat.minees are based on streaming, album and digital sales, rio airplay and social activity, and reflect time period of Sept. 27, 2019, through Sept. 24, 2020.